|
"HOPE NOT HATE" CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN MEMORY OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATHS OF JAMES BYRD, JR. AND MATTHEW SHEPARD
OIA Newswire
Austin, TX (September 30, 2008) – On Sunday, October 12, University Baptist Church will host "Hope Not Hate", a gathering on the 10th anniversary of the hate killings of James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard. Equality Texas Foundation, The African American Diversity Ministry of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks, Soulforce, Church of the Savior, and University Baptist Church invite the public to attend a candlelight vigil where Central Texans will gather in support of hope not hate and to honor and remember the victims of hate crimes in Texas and across the country.
The keynote speaker for the gathering will be Rev. Dr. Stephen Sprinkle, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at TCU's Brite Divinity School. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo will also offer his remarks. Childcare will be provided and the evening will be ASL interpreted.
"It is important that we not let our lasting images of these two men, James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard, be images of them as the victims of hate. Rather, we are called by their memories to do all we can to ensure that hate will never be the final word. We are called to join our hope for a more just, fair, and compassionate world with our actions in a way that brings about true and lasting change," stated Rev. Karen Thompson, Senior Pastor, MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks. Paul Scott, executive director of Equality Texas Foundation added, "We continue to educate Texans that hate crimes still occur across the state and that our fellow citizens are targeted for physical harm because of prejudice, ignorance, and fear."
Fact:
From 2001 through 2006, there have been 1,862 reported hate crimes, but only 9 prosecutions.
WHAT:
"Hope Not Hate" - Hate Crimes Candlelight Vigil
HOSTED BY:
The African American Diversity Ministry of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks, Equality Texas Foundation, Soulforce, University Baptist Church, and Church of the Savior.
WHEN:
Sunday, October 12, 2008, 5:00 pm
WHERE:
University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78705.
WHO:
Rev. Dr. Stephen Sprinkle, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, TCU's Brite Divinity School.
Equality Texas Foundation educates and engages the public about policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.
More information about this event is available at
http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/hopenothate/details.tcl
-30- Full Story. [10/2/08]
|
