MARION -- Nathan Thomas and Aaron Maragni were two of about 200 that gathered on the Marion Square Wednesday evening for the "Prayer on the Square" event.
The two friends exemplified the message that organizers of the event were trying to get across, from the color of their skin to their life pursuits.
Thomas is a music business major attending college in Florida.
"I play baseball," said Maragni with a grin.
The two arrived early and took up a spot on the south side of the Square, listening respectfully and joining in the prayers offered by several area church leaders.
Pastor Larry Lee, Sr. of the Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ was one of the organizers of the event.
In an interview following last week's Black Lives Matter protest in Marion, Lee said that encouraging communication between people, including those of different races, is an important part of understanding.
"When people don't get to express themselves, they keep being angry," he said.
Marion is one of the most racially diverse communities in southern Illinois. Wednesday night was about bringing that community together for a common cause, to pray for understanding and peace.
Wanda Zwick was one of those attending, an event she says is important to the community.
"Well, just keeping God out there ... just everybody coming together in Jesus' name," she said, smiling, before returning her attention to a vocal quartet that brought their message to the crowd through music.
Thomas and Maragni both said the event was a good idea.
"This is a great way to bring the community together," said Maragni.
Marion United organizers Joshua Benitone and Jared Gravatt among those spearheading the next community event, "A Marion United Celebration," scheduled for June 20 from 4-10 p.m. on the Square.
