<
p dir=”ltr”>The South Valley community is joining arms to stamp out hate on Saturday, Aug. 19 in a Walk for Peace and Prayer Vigil in response last weekend’s events in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white nationalists from several hate groups including the KKK, neo-Nazis and white supremacists gathered in a show of force in Charlottesville to protest the removal of the confederate statue of Robert E. Lee.
<
p dir=”ltr”>The gathering was met with resistance when counter-protesters showed up in opposition. Events further escalated when a car crashed into demonstrators, killing one and injuring 19 more.
<
p dir=”ltr”>Clergy from the Interfaith Community of South County (ICSC) quickly pulled together using word of mouth to notify others in the community of the event. The ICSC, now in its 18 month, is comprised of 16 different faith organizations throughout the South Valley.
<
p dir=”ltr”>Although the event was inspired by clergy from ICSC, they aren’t acting alone. ICSC member, Susan Meyer member at Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill and former ICSC facilitator said word about the event travelled quickly through the community.
<
p dir=”ltr”>Meyers, said this isn’t about politics, but hate. “We’re not saying anything about the president or any political party,” said Meyers. “It’s really just to say we are against hate and bigotry.”
<
p dir=”ltr”>Meyers said they are most interested in sending a message of unity.
<
p dir=”ltr”>“What we wanted to say that’s not who we are.” she said. “That’s not what we value. We value our diversity and we wanted to make a statement together as a community.”
<
p dir=”ltr”>ICSC facilitator and outreach coordinator with Gavilan Hills Unity Church in Gilroy, Mary Hallum said that violence is not the answer. “Our concern is—we want to go for peace and love and that’s what we really want to concentrate on,” said Hallum. “We really want to see that for everybody.”
<
p dir=”ltr”>Walk for Peace and Prayer Vigil takes place Saturday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community Center 17000 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill. All are invited to participate in the short walk (less than a mile) and the group will meet by the sculpture in front of the Morgan Hill Community Center.
