Solidarity Candlelight Vigil

PRESS RELEASE: Communities Unite for Solidarity Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amanda Garces: 520-333-8864 (Montpelier)
Lisa Masse:  802.598.9206 (East Montpelier)
Erin Hurley: 508-367-6338 (Waterbury)
E-mail: Agcolombia@gmail.com
Jan. 31, 2017
MONTPELIER– In response to the current administration’s ban on muslims, Vermont community members are mobilizing in solidarity with Muslim, Refugee and Immigrant Communities. Over 700 people will join in a vigil at the State House on Wednesday, February 1st at 6 p.m. in solidarity with the many refugees and immigrants impacted by the unlawful and immoral executive orders issued last week. All are welcome to attend.
People from around the state will meet on the steps of the State Capitol to speak out against hatred and intolerance and call on the larger community to stand together in opposition of the Trump administration’s radical, anti-immigrant, and anti-muslim agenda.
In just one week, Trump has called to accelerate the already extreme militarization of border communities and expand racial profiling and religious discrimination. In both word and deed, the Trump administration has made it clear that it favors a white nationalist vision of America over one that values inclusiveness, equality, and justice for all.
Across the nation, thousands of people have come together in response to this brazen attack on muslim and immigrant communities. Organizers of the vigil call on all people to stand up for what is just, organize with local, state and national organizations and take action to stop this ban and further attempts to criminalize their communities.
Speakers at the vigil will include: faith leaders, individuals and families impacted by the executive actions, local and state organizations, as well as community members. Their voices will bring hope, for they rise to uphold civil liberties and human rights. They speak out  against hate and intolerance, discriminatory immigration laws, mass incarceration, over policing, the criminalization of communities of color, deportations, and border militarization.
Vermont’s residents cannot and will not remain silent because a community united is a strong community.
WHAT: Montpelier Solidarity Vigil with our Muslim and Refugee Communities
WHERE: Vermont State House, Montpelier
WHEN: Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 at 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
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Sponsor Organizations:  Black Lives Matter VT, Vermont Interfaith Action, Islamic Society of Vermont, Rights and Democracy VT, Justice for All, ACLU VT, Migrant Justice, Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Beth Jacob Synagogue and Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Vermonters for Justice in Palestine (VTJP), Green Mountain Solidarity with Palestine