On Monday, I asked whether art can rescue downtown Allentown? The answer appears to be YES. Local arts activist Alfonso Todd, founder of Project R.E.A.L. (Readying Each and Every Life) is organizing a march and rally for May 6. I'll let him tell you about it himself.The NYC Sean Bell verdict, local rap artist J.Dot's death, treatment of Austin Scott in alleged rape case, Kari Holmes racial assault...
What do all of these things have in common ?
Each incident has made people angry and frustrated over the apparent belief that bias, racism, and misconceptions are no longer problems in the U.S. and/or in the Lehigh Valley.
They also represent the fact that senseless acts of violence are still being committed and must be stopped!
Please join us for the Allentown Peace March and Rally on May 6, 2008 at 3:30pm. It is time to expose the ugly truth about racial intolerance that is alive and well in Allentown, on both sides of the coin. It is also time to confront the violence that is still rearing its ugly head in our community streets.
We are calling everyone, from everywhere, to come stand side by side and represent your desire to live in peace, no matter what nationality or lifestyle your neighbor may be.
We will be meeting at 333 - 335 Hamilton Street (Catch 22) and marching to City Hall where there will be a moment of silence for all of those who have been harassed, victimized, and killed senselessly or due to their beliefs, lifestyle, or nationality.
SPONSORED BY: Project R.E.A.L./CATCH 22. Contact Alfonso at (484) 707-9592 for more information.
7 comments:
What's the over under on media coverage? What's the slant? Bet you MSM ignores most of it. WFMZ might show a 10 second clip, and Mcall puts it on back of local section.
No over/under media coverage expected and there is no slant or political agenda. We're just a group of concerned citizens trying to call attention to an obvious problem in the U.S., Lehigh Valley, and A-town. So, come an join us. We'd love to have you.
Alfonso
Instead of holding a rally why not treat a fellow human being as a brother or sister on your own and without fanfare? What is this proclivity to demonstrate and what does it really achieve? It is often the case that those of us who reside in Allentown have done so exactly because of the diversity here. While I car pool to work with Latino friends my sons attend Allentown schools as minorities. This is the real day to day here in Allentown, more often than not the color of ones skin or the ethnic background is a non issue.
Perhaps a demonstration would be more appropriate in the suburban upper income neighborhoods that surround the city.
Scott Armstrong
Scott, I agree with your advisement and treat everyone as an equal on a daily basis, but sometimes a rally needs to be held to draw attention to a certain subject or situation. As far as fanfare, I am not actually trying to do anything that will disrupt the city. I am NOT allowing any speeches of any kind although many wanted to speak. I felt it was inappropriate. I want there just to be a moment of silence to observe and draw attention to a growing problem. As for as what can be achieved, I would ask you to do some research on the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. I also agree that more often than not, the issue of race in A-town is a non-issue, but this rally is for incidents that have happened in Allentown and beyond.
The suburban areas aren't where I live and although I hear about racial incidents there, I am holding this rally for any incident that has happened in those areas too. Now as far as me staging a march and rally in suburbia, I would gladly do so if I knew someone in those areas who would assist in organizing it. As for now, I need to focus on MY surrounding neighborhood before I can help others in theirs.
Alfonso Todd
sometimes the best social statements are made with silent reflection and humans untied in their physical presence.
grace and peace to all who are able to attend and those who send their hearts instead of their bodies...
Alfonso,
Instead of a “Demonstration” which implies a negative connotation, why not hold a unity celebration to proclaim the same message on a positive note. Why not celebrate the largely successful multi-ethic diversity that is Allentown today.
Remember, it is our city government, not any segment of the population that has caused all of our major problems; the residents are only guilty of electing them.
I commend your spirit and energy, good luck.
Scott Armstrong
Thanks for the advice Scott, and I have already implemented that. On July 12, 2008 I am holding an event called UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN ! It will be on Hamilton Street between 6th and 7th. It will feature foods, entertainment, and art from people from around the world. I hope to make this an annual event. I will keep bernie posted on this.
Alfonso Todd
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