Concerned citizens in Indianapolis, from all walks of life, gathered on Monument Circle to loudly proclaim, “Solidarity for Kindness: Hate has NO Place in Indiana.” The group of about 150 people united, coming from Indianapolis’ interfaith, inter-generational and inter-racial communities, standing against racism and hatred.
Organizers, a coalition of Muslims, Christians and Jews, stated, “We are living in a climate of fear and intimidation. On a daily basis, we are inundated with examples of mean-spirited rhetoric and cruelty. Today, we gather together in solidarity to confirm that love and kindness is the antidote to this unsettling trend.”
Standing upon a declaration that “Each of us has the power to make a positive change,” the group added, “We encourage each of you to reach out and share the love. This may mean advocating for folks who are marginalized. It may mean working with your faith or civic group to improve the environment, increase access to healthy food, provide more affordable housing, demand humane treatment of immigrants or improve access to quality education. It can also simply be reaching out to your neighbor, your coworker, or a friend or family member in distress. The fact is, together we can and we will make a positive difference!”
The Aug. 24 rally for kindness was sparked when a small group of masked Nazi men, dressed in black, carried Nazi flags and shouted racist remarks over a bullhorn as they paraded in downtown Indianapolis.
Organizers Charlie Wiles, Dr. Clete Ladd, and Imam Michael Saahir spearheaded the unity rally.
“It felt really good to gather in public with a determined spirit to heal the growing hatred in our society,” Wiles said.
“Some folks say that ‘racism is alive and well,’” Saahir said. “Although racism may be alive, it is alive and sick, ill.”
Clete agreed, saying, “Racism and hatred are violent diseases that can be cured. Love and peace are perfect prescriptions.”
The Rev. David Greene, the pastor of Purpose of Life Ministries and the president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, said, “We came back to the place they (the Nazis) were situated at to say wherever you go, if you take your message of hate, we will come and declare that love and peace is going to win.”
Dr. Marilyn Gill, the Executive Director of the Indiana Leadership Conference said, “Relevant, necessary for times like these. The turnout and support from the community was immeasurable.”
The organizers are working on creating an online petition in support of unity against racism and hatred. The petition, titled “A Gathering in Solidarity for Kindness: Hatred is NOT Welcome in Indiana,” reads as follows:
Dear Citizens of Indiana,
We stand together today to define our community with love and compassion for all, and with cooperation despite our differences.
Racism is a chronic health issue; it is addictive, a disease, and a historic pandemic. Racism threatens each of our families, neighbors, communities, our nation, and our world. It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be actively anti-racist. This means challenging stereotypes, advocating for justice, and building connections across all lines of difference.
Let us come together to condemn hate. Let us come together to celebrate our shared humanity, our diversity, and our faiths in the highest power, and work to bring out the best in each of us. There can be no U.S. without unity, participation and the belief that we can build a society where everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity and gender feels safe, respected and valued.
Each organization’s leadership has signed this “Call to Action” below to speak out against hate; to stand up for everyone’s human dignity, civil and human rights, and love for everyone. GOD created us all to serve our world.
