In light of recent events and the political scene stirring up attention toward Muslims, Bay Ridge, which boasts the largest Arab community in NYC and a significant Muslim population is indubitably affected. Marking Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for a walk of solidarity simply makes sense. Join up at 86th St & Ft Hamilton Pkwy at 1pm on Jan 18th.
Teri Brennan, tells us about residents discussing the anxiety that many Muslim adults and children have been experiencing as they deal with verbal harassment, intimidation, and ignorance. She writes, "Bay Ridge is a neighborhood that pulls together to support neighbors in need – house fires, illness, and personal crises - Ridgeites “show up” to help. In keeping with that tradition, the group decided to organize a peaceful show of support for Muslim community members."
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
- - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This walk of solidarity through the neighborhood will be paired with a community gathering, starting at 86th St and Ft Hamilton Parkway (the site of a recent incident) and culminate with a social event at the Salam Arabic Lutheran Church (80th St and Fourth Avenue).
The post-walk gathering will feature entertainment, activities for the kids, and food for all. It will be an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other better and for some lasting friendships to get their start.
The organizers of the day’s events, interested and concerned Bay Ridge residents, invite anyone who wishes to participate in this day of peace and friendship to join in.
Date: Monday, January 18th
Time: 1pm
Walk starting point: 86th St and Ft Hamilton Parkway
Post-walk gathering: Salam Arabic Lutheran Church 414 80th St @4th Ave
- The walk will be on the sidewalk and NYPD will have a presence to ensure that street crossings are safe.
- The gathering at the church will emphasize people socializing, not speeches.
- There will be some music from the Children’s Chorus of Bay Ridge.
- Potluck dishes and contributions welcomed to help feed everyone.
A related Facebook event was created just for this walk. Add it to your calendar today.
It would have been much better if the Muslim community had organized the march to reassure the Bay Ridge community that they reject Islamic extremism and violence in the name of Islam. Muslims are not the victims here, no matter how much people try to push that viewpoint. There is no greater force for repression of free speech, violence against LGBT people,and oppression of religious minorities than Islam.
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