Baton Rouge slayings hit Lafourche, Terrebonne hard
July 18, 2016
READY TO REBOUND
July 19, 2016
In the past two weeks, tragedy has sunk its teeth into the American people and has dominated headlines, TV shows and social media chatter.
But for a couple hours on Saturday afternoon in Thibodaux, citizens were able to forget it all and enjoy some time united as one. On that day, folks were able to pass a good time and remember that there still is some goodness and positivity in the world, after all.
Thibodaux native Nigel Robertson organized a community day on Saturday — an event he said was a direct response to the violence the country has seen over the past few days, specifically the shooting of Alton Sterling by police officers in Baton Rouge, a subsequent shooting involving police in Minnesota and then the mass shooting of police officers in Dallas, Texas.
The event started as a plea for peace and unity last week by Robertson on Facebook. It quickly grew legs and took off. By the time the week ended, an entire Community Fun Day had been formed, which saw about 300 people turn out to Peltier Park to enjoy food, games and sports competitions.
Robertson said the event was a success, adding that it was a joy to see people of all races come together in unity for an afternoon filled with fun.
He added that he’d love to do other events in the future to keep people in the Houma-Thibodaux area as peaceful as it can be.
“The event was a success,” Robertson said. “Close to 300 people came out and spent the day with us. We all enjoyed ourselves. We wanted to shine light of positivity around the area. We wanted to show that the community can come together and enjoy a day with each other. I feel good about how everyone came together. It was just a great day.”
Robertson had no idea three weeks ago that he would be so heavily involved in community unity.
An athlete and student by trade, Robertson’s usually focused on sports and his studies.
But lately, he said he’s taken pride in following current events in the world, as well.
Because of that, Robertson said he closely followed the Baton Rouge shooting, which prompted protests and anger in people around the United States.
Like most other Americans, Robertson also watched with uneasiness and anger as gunmen killed cops in Dallas just days later.
And in the aftermath, Robertson said he also observed some of the racial tension that had developed on social media as folks shared their opinions on the violence which was occurring around the world.
“It was time to take action,” Robertson said. “It was time to find change.”
So it began.
On July 8, Robertson posted the following on Facebook — his first public statements indicating his push toward unity.
“Man Thibodaux might as well have one big BBQ at Peltier Park both white and black so it can clear some of the tension between both sides????” he wrote.
The post got shared 54 times and it received dozens of comments from community members who agreed with his sentiment and urged him to go through with it.
At first, the support was mostly from Robertson’s friends and immediate family. Before long, he was receiving messages from people he didn’t even know.
“That’s a great idea,” Tori Cortez replied.
“Good idea, keep our city together!” added Emily Valerie.
A day after the original post, Robertson confirmed the event would take place. The original idea encouraged folks to bring their own food and drinks — almost like a multi-family picnic.
But then it grew even more.
As the week progressed and Robertson continued to post about the event on Facebook, support grew with it.
Before long, the day grew so large that he had to hire police officers to work detail. He also had to hire officials to handle the competitions he’d scheduled at Peltier Park’s fields.
The community bought in and supported the cause. Robertson started a fundraising site online to raise what he needed for security, insurance and everything else that goes with securing Peltier Park for a large event.
By the time Saturday had rolled around, Robertson had been in two local newspapers, had appeared on two radio stations and had created an event which hosted countless families for a Saturday of fun.
Not bad for an event which had just eight days of planning and promotion.
At Peltier Park, folks played flag football and enjoyed one another’s company. NFL star and Thibodaux High graduate Greg Robinson flew in to lend his support to Robertson’s cause.
The day, according to everyone, was a success — an unquestioned victory for community peace at a time when the world needed it.
Thibodaux native Nigel Robertson (at center) poses with family and friends during a community event he hosted on Saturday. The event was a success, according to those involved.
