Metro Atlanta residents describe the meaning of unity

ATLANTA — In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, leaders across the country are calling for unity.

Trump was injured Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when he said a bullet pierced the upper right part of his ear, “tearing the skin.” One attendee was killed, while two others were wounded. The suspected shooter, authorities said, was also killed.

President Joe Biden said in a speech from the Oval Office Sunday night that “we must never descend into violence.”

“We are all facing a difficult time as we approach the election,” Biden said. “There is no place in America for this kind of violence — for any violence. Ever. Period. No exceptions. We cannot allow this violence to become normalized.”

As calls for unity continue for Americans, 11Alive traveled to the Atlanta BeltLine on Monday to ask people for their perspective on what that looks like for them.

Here are their answers.

For one person, unity meant involving the community.

“We need to come together as a community and try harder to be a unit. I think a lot of the problem right now is our politicians and the people in power who are not working for us,” this person said. “They are working for their own agenda and their own power. And you see that all over the world. And I think we need to remember that the power is in the people and there are still a lot of good things that can be done.”

For another, it meant working together for the common good. And for one man, it meant diversity.

“That’s exactly what you see here,” he said. “It seems like people have different ideas about themselves. Maybe different religions, different body types, different skin colors, different political norms or expectations, but they just coexist.”

Another person had a similar feeling.

“To me, unity is the ability to accept others as they are and the ability to spread love. Especially right now, because we’re in a very difficult time. There’s a lot of upheaval. And unity is just being able to welcome others, no matter who they are.”

For others, it meant collaboration.

“People working together not only for the good of society, but also for the good of others,” another person said.

Many said they believed the country could unite.

“I truly believe that because this is a great country. We have so many wonderful resources, whether it’s cultural or environmental. The good outweighs the bad. We may be a little quieter sometimes, but I truly believe that we are a united country. Whether or not some people are trying to divide us in very divisive ways, we are doing it,” one person said.

“I think unity is possible on this planet, I just think it takes a certain kind of leadership and a certain kind of faith in humanity,” one man said.

While some believe unity is achievable, they say it will take a lot of work. Others believe unity starts with the leadership.

“I think it starts at the top. I feel like there’s a lot of division right now. We should all try harder to be more united with each other and spread some love.”

Love also seems to be a theme around unity, while encouraging others who want to give up.

“I would just encourage people to look within themselves and not let outside forces ruin that love within them,” one person explained.

“Don’t give up. You always hear that phrase, ‘Don’t give up. Things will get better.’ And they do. It just takes time and a collective effort,” said another.