Canton Combines National Night Out, Not In Our Town Movements

CANTON, MI — Two national movements — Not In Our Town and National Night Out — will be observed Tuesday, Aug. 2, in Canton to promote a safe community, show solidarity against hate crimes and give residents a chance to get to know their neighbors. The event takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the north pavilion in Heritage Park.

The shared goals of both Not In Our Town and National Night Out are to build safe, inclusive communities and fight back against hate, bullying and violence.

“One of the strengths of Canton Township is the diversity of the people who live in it,” Eva Davis, who co-chairs the Canton Response to Hate Crimes Coalition, one of the event sponsors, told The Canton Observer. “This gives the residents of Canton an opportunity to meet the people who live in their community.”

Other sponsors include the Canton Public Safety Department, Canton Leisure Services and the Canton Public Library, where Davis serves as director.

Some of the activities at the event include a peace rally and candlelight unity vigil, musical entertainment, guest speakers, police and fire vehicle displays, various exhibits and demonstrations, and other activities for kids.

National Night Out is a neighborhood building campaign held annually on the first Tuesday in August in about 16,000 cities nationwide.

“This event is an evening where the community is encouraged to come together and celebrate the community in which we live,” police Officer Patty Esselink, community relations coordinator, told the newspaper. “It is an opportunity to meet and interact with the police and fire personnel as well as meet the people who live around you.”

Not In Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying and build safe, inclusive communities for all. Davis, who chairs the Canton Response to Hate Crimes Coalition (CRHCC) with police Sgt. Dale Waltz, it offers a chance for Canton's diverse residents “to come together and learn from each other and break down barriers.”

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