If your local government wants to call its alcohol-free New Year’s Eve events “First Night,” it’ll be obligated to pay the canny coiner of that term a fee. By contrast, if you try googling the phrase “Day One” or “Day 1,” you’ll find many hits, but no indication that it’s trademarked – nor that it’s the name of a worldwide social movement. But it may yet become one – spawned, like the catchy art-for-health bartering concept of the O+ Festival, in the City of Kingston.
What is Day One? “It is not a protest, a march or a parade,” according to its organizers. “Day One recognizes that there are 364 other days to discuss the issues, exchange ideas and work on solutions. This is just one day to simply walk together. In the face of so much that divides us, let us not forget that we are united by the bonds of our common fellowship in the human race.”
Wow. What a refreshing concept, for all who grow weary of the daily strife and polarization that so abound in our contemporary world! And what better time to let go of ideological and emotional baggage and move forward with a fresh start than on New Year’s Day?
The innaugural Day One Walk begins at Dietz Stadium in Kingston at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 1. The walk will head down Broadway, make a right onto Cedar Street, followed by a right onto Clinton Avenue and end at the Kirkland, located at 2 Main Street, where conversations can continue with hot beverages.
This walk is supported by the City of Kingston, the Kingston Police Department, the Center for Creative Education, the O+ Festival and RUPCO, as well as other community organizations. For more information, contact Micah Blumenthal at day1united@gmail.com. And expect to hear about more and more communities seizing onto this heartening concept in the years to come.