Saratoga Immigration Coalition hosts walk and vigil
All are welcome here
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » For the second consecutive year, Saratoga Immigration Coalition will host walk and vigil, offering a gesture of gratitude, support and acknowledgement of immigrants and the contributions in the communities.
“All Are Welcome Here” will go from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 in the downtown area. The general public is encouraged and welcomed to attend.
The Coalition, including the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Friends Meeting, Saratoga Unites, the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, The Church of St. Peter of Saratoga Springs and concerned individuals from Saratoga, Washington, Warren and Albany Counties, seeks to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of immigrants’ lives and situations, as well as the contributions they make.
“The intent of the ‘All Are Welcome Here’ Walk & Vigil is to educate the public about the unseen, yet vital role immigrants play in our lives and to then show support of and gratitude to those immigrants,” said Maxine Lautenberg, a member of Temple Sinai and walk and vigil organizer. “The walk and vigil is truly focusing on the immigrants; it is not a protest or march to express disapproval of current policies. It is not about (my) anger. It is about gratitude and welcoming fellow human beings who happen to be immigrants.”
As last year, the Coalition envisions a walk of silence starting from three locations in Saratoga Springs, all ending with a simple vigil gathering at the Spirit of Life Monument in Congress Park, where there will be a short program of spoken word and song prior to the lighting of candles.
“I see the walk and vigil as a great opportunity to demonstrate support for immigrants in our community, but also to practice a better way of being a community, through peaceful co-existence, patience and mutual respect,” said Terry Diggory, Coordinator of the Welcoming Immigrants Task Force from the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church.
The walk will start from three locations where participants are encouraged to meet: Union Avenue at the racetrack entrance; Beekman Street, and North Broadway near City Center and Temple Sinai.
These three locations were chosen for their current and historical connections to immigrants. Lautenberg explained, “The track is home to immigrant backstretch workers, trainers and jockeys; Beekman Street was once a hub of Italian and Irish immigrants; and Broadway signifies the impact immigrants have on our
daily lives, be it through their direct contribution to the food we eat, the clothes we wear , the music we hear and many other ways.”
Saratoga Immigration Coalition volunteers, known as Peacekeeping Sentinels, will assist participants as guides along the route. They will help insure that the intention of the walk and its tone and tenor are maintained.
“The walk is to support our neighbors, friends and fellow workers who enrich our lives and our culture,” said MaryAnna O’Donnell, owner of Gluten Free Bakery (Schuylerville) and member of the Welcoming Immigrants Task Force and Saratoga Immigration Coalition.
Individuals are welcome to walk from any location they choose or they can attend the vigil in Congress Park only. Walk participants are encouraged to signup on SignUpGenius for specific locations: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084caeac29a2fd0walk. For questions call or text: 518-951-0702.
The vigil will be non-po litical, calling on local artists, immigrants, and concerned individuals to share in spoken word and song. All attending are asked to bring an electric votive candle or other electric light.
“Once again we hope this is something that stirs the heart of every member in our community, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation - and that we can walk together to show support for a community that supports us every day,” Lautenberg said.
Follow the Saratoga Immigration Coalition Facebook page for further updates or contact the “All Are Welcome Here” Walk & Vigil committee organizer Maxine Lindig Lautenberg at 518-951-0702.