On the last weekend in October 2017, the community prepared for a hate rally headed by a white nationalist group. The protesters decided to disband after learning the historic square had heavy police presence who not only were video taping every action, but checking everyone for weapons.

Windows of stores and offices in this historic area were boarded-up and positive messages were colorfully scrawled across them: "love always", "in the face of love everyone is equal", "Murfreesboro Loves" and numerous others.

Now two years later, downtown Murfreesboro will be the site of a place of celebration focusing on Love Your Neighbor on the Square. It is co-sponsored by Murfreesboro Muslim Youth and Murfreesboro Cold Patrol. The event will be 2:00 until 6:00 o'clock Sunday evening October 27, 2019, and is a free family-friendly event.

"We want to remember and honor how Murfreesboro came together to face hate with love, and we want to spotlight the diversity in our community," said Abdou Kattih, director of Murfreesboro Muslim Youth, one of the nonprofits sponsoring the event.

Love Your Neighbor on the Square will feature live music, activities for children, and foods representing favorite dishes from nearly 20 countries.

"We tried to think of the best way to encourage the community to continue to come together. Sharing a meal is a great way to invite everyone to the table," said Kattih.

Families from the community will prepare popular foods from their heritage while also dishing out information about their cultures, from traditional clothing to stories and visitors.

Countries represented will include Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Slovakia, Iran, Bosnia, Yemen, Jordan, Bangladesh, Syria, Iraq, Malaysia, Morocco, Palestine, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, Turkey, Somalia - and even Southern food.

"It's a tasty way for people to learn about their neighbors," said Kattih.



To learn more about the event or to get involved, visit www.murfreesboromuslimyouth.org/ or email MurfreesboroMuslimYouth@gmail.com.