The Darlington Tiger has been named the grand marshal of the 5th Annual Ginger Pride Walk, which makes its way down Rome's Broad Street on Saturday, March 14.
"We are so honored to have Floyd County's quintessential 'redhead' as one of the centerpieces of this growing ginger tradition," said Abraham Johnson ('15), spokesperson for the Tiger.
Students, faculty and other members of the school community will join the Tiger to show their support of the cause as a part of Darlington's first official Ginger Pride float.
The Ginger Pride Walk was created in 2011 by Rome-native and fellow ginger James Schroeder, as a lighthearted way to approach the topic of bullying, and to foster awareness and a sense of solidarity for those who have ever felt like less of a person based on the appearance of their skin.
"Just because our complexion is pale doesn't mean we don't bleed the same!" said Johnson. "Darlington affirms its position on being 'no place for hate,' and we could not think of a better creature to be the face for anti-bullying in our community than our Tiger."
Rome's celebration of "carrot tops" was recognized by pop culture news powerhouse BuzzFeed as one of "The 11 Best Redhead Gatherings of 2013." Each year the crowd at the walk grows more and more as word continues to spread about the anti-bullying grassroots initiative.
This year's event will begin at 11 a.m. on March 14 as redheads, their families, friends and pets gather at Heritage Park in Downtown Rome for a special pre-parade pep rally. Members and friends of the Darlington Community are encouraged to wear purple and invited to come together for a group photograph on the park's riverbanks at 11:45 a.m.
Parade participants will then walk north on Broad Street to Rome City Hall, where the event will conclude with a message from the walk's founder and special awards including the selection of "Ginger Pet," "Ginger Family," and the crowning of "Mr. and Miss Ginger Pride."
For more information about Darlington's involvement in the parade, contact Luke Chaffin.
Click here for more information about the 5th Annual Ginger Pride Walk.
