The following is from Kelly Quirk:
At the same time as the presidential inauguration, members of the SOMA community are invited to gather to commit themselves to the Spirit of Goodwill, service, and social justice. This uplifting and action oriented event will host speakers from our local faith community and representatives of groups working with those most at risk of further oppression under the new administration.
The event has been organized by Maplewood residents Barbara Velazquez, Kelly Quirk and Tegan Culler
The event will take place on Friday January 20th, 2017 from 12pm – 2pm at Prospect Presbyterian Church located at 646 Prospect St, Maplewood, NJ 07040 and Facebook Live
We will have speakers and representatives from Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Humanist traditions on the topic of the expression and meaning of Goodwill from their particular faith. We will also have speakers from the groups most likely to suffer or be further marginalized in under the new administration, i.e., people of color, Muslims, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and women. Musical accompaniment will be performed by local Broadway Composer Russ Kaplan.
As we transition from anticipating the new administration, to living under it, we as a community must gather together and be visible in stating our commitment to being vocal about injustice when we see it. As a community we can find opportunities to work together in solidarity and strength for the years ahead.
Event organizer Kelly Quirk said, “There are many people in our communities who feel their political selves have been awakened by this election and others who have been doing the work of social justice for a long time. This event will provide a space for all levels experience with activism to come together and make a commitment as well as learn lessons that will help sustain their activism and involvement in the next four years and beyond.”
Up to the minute speakers, announcements and Livestreaming of the event, can be viewed on Facebook on the public event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/177611249387621/
