The Unity in the Community (Taskforce) was founded in 2016, during a time in our nation where great civil unrest across the country between law enforcement and people of color arose. Unity in the Community was birthed to become a pro-active group instead of re-active to racial community crisis, before such incidents arose in the City of Redlands. A group of concerned clergy in the City of Redlands and the Redlands Police Department along with city leaders began to gather to address social justice issues and expose and repair it. Unity in the Community is a much-needed initiative to strengthen relationships between law enforcement, community leadership and the community-at-large, working together to find ways to heal our community and bring about unity, safety and understanding. Unity in the Community Taskforce continues to meet at the Redlands Police Department. Israel Beal Park received recognition plaque from the City of Redlands and Unity in the Community who intentionally held our first two JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS at Israel Beal Park in his honor and to introduce him to the City of Redlands. Mario Saucedo and the family of Israel Beal and (Herb Rona) had been working on this project for several years. But working together we were able to re-open interest and honor the lifelong work of Israel Beal in the City of Redlands. UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2016- 2022
2016- Unity in the Community Established
2017- Produced a short video for community use entitled: "Do’s and Don’ts When Stopped by the Cops". Article published in Redlands Daily Facts and on You-Tube.
2018- First Juneteenth: Citywide held at Israel Beal Park, in honor of Pioneer, Israel “Doc” First for Our Children. A city monument dedicated in his honor and City
2019- Second Annual Juneteenth: Citywide Annual Juneteenth: Citywide celebration at celebration at Israel Beal Park. Theme: Our Theme: Our Community Matters.
2019- First Active Shooter Defense Clinic: to prepare, plan and protect houses of worship and faith based organizations and the community-at-large. Over 90 participants and organizations were represented at this gathering, held at the First Baptist Church of Redlands.
2020- First Racial Healing Roundtable on Zoom: Healing Racism in Redlands, Starting with the Houses of Faith and Faith Community on July 11, 2020. Two power groups met to begin the “continual conversation” on racial reconciliation.
2021- 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Collaboration with the University of Redlands Virtual Celebration.
2021- Unity in the Community Strategic Planning Retreat, September 30th held at the Redlands Police Department. Maria Saucedo was facilitator. New logo design by Alise Clouser and the UIC ratified our vision and purpose statement.
2022- 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Sunday, June 19, 2022. MUSIC FESTIVAL AND FIRST NATIONAL HOLIDAY CITYWIDE CELEBRATION in collaboration with the “City of Redlands, Stronger Together, University of Redlands and Unity in the Community” as partners Community” as partners and steering committee to EDUCATE, EMPOWER AND ENTERTAIN.
• The two organizations, along with the city, sponsor the Midnight Hoopz program at the Redlands Community Center, for the past 20 years with the Second Baptist Church, where youth get an opportunity to play basketball with law enforcement personnel. “It allows people who would normally not be near a cop, to not run from a cop, not fear being in the presence of law enforcement, but to recognize they’re there for you,” Green said.
