Holy Day of Atonement Oct. 16

Event commemorates the 26th anniversary of Million Man March

Personal and societal changes needed to end the many forms of racial, economic, health care and other disparities will be the focus of the 26th anniversary of the Holy Day of Atonement, according to a news release.

The program will take place from 1-3 p.m., Oct. 16, at God’s Kngdom Worship Center, 423 Washington Ave. in Lorain.

Attendees are asked to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health guidelines of social distancing — 6 feet apart — and wearing face coverings or masks, the release said.

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the program also will be virtual, viewable on Zoom at https://bit.ly/2YkOdop, Meeting ID: 854 9229 5416, Passcode: 073528.

The theme of the anniversary commemoration is “Holistic Solutions to Holistic Problems.”

Issues addressed during the program will be systemic violence, racism and economic inequality that lead to disproportionate killing of youth, COVID-19 infections and lack of adequate treatment, poverty, voter suppression and disrespect of culture, according to the release.

Imam Paul Hasan of the Official Lorain County Organizing Committee for the Day of Atonement, the program’s sponsor, will provide opening remarks.

In addition, community speakers will focus on the crises and solutions of mental health, education and the impact of the COVID-19 and the Delta variant on black and brown communities, the release said.

There also will be acknowledgement of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Holy Day of Atonement marks the anniversary of the 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C.

The Lorain County annual commemoration is the longest running in Ohio, according to the release.

Atonement, or “at-ONEment,” implies unity of people, coming together in spirit, mind, body and community organizing for holistic change that results in justice and peace in all their forms, the release said.

Atonement, transcending any specific religion, race or creed, is needed now more than ever, the release said.