GHIAA Statement on the Eid al-Adha Attack on Rep. Maryam Khan

June 29, 2023

Below is the statement by GHIAA on the Eid al-Adha Attack on Rep. Maryam Khan. Riverfront Family Church is a member of GHIAA and affirms this statement.

The Center for Leadership and Justice and the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance are appalled at the recent attack on Rep. Maryam Khan after Eid al-Adha observances in Hartford on June 28, 2023.

Islamophobia, racism, and violence against women are scourges that continue to plague our communities. When violence is inflicted against a worshiper gathered for public celebration of an important and joyful holiday of her faith tradition, entire communities are traumatized. When violence is inflicted against a woman of color wearing the garments that express her religious identity, it sends a message of fear to all women who dare to take up space in public, to all persons of color who dare to be present on city streets, and to all adherents who dare to attire themselves in accordance with their values. Specifically, when violence is perpetrated against a Muslim woman of South Asian heritage who chooses to wear a hijab and attends a public religious observance, all Muslims, all immigrants, all persons of color, and all women are left feeling deeply vulnerable, unprotected, and unwelcome. This is unacceptable.

As the first Muslim woman elected to the Connecticut state legislature, and as a powerful advocate for equity at the Capitol, and as an educator in the special ed department at Weaver High School, Rep. Khan is a barrier-breaking leader in our community. But one should not have to be an elected official, or a teacher, or anything other than a human being to receive the full protection and dignity they deserve as a resident of our state. It is a fact that GHIAA and CLJ respect and admire Rep. Khan as a leader in our legislature. And, this attack would be equally repugnant and deserving of response if it had occurred against any other participant in Eid observances this week.

As an intentionally interreligious and multiracial organization, we believe that we are all harmed whenever any member of our community is attacked on the basis of their identity. Be it Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, or any other form of bigotry, CLJ and GHIAA are united in declaring that hate and violence have no place in our society. Such acts are unconscionable and are incompatible with the teachings of every one of our venerable religious traditions.

GHIAA and CLJ stand with Rep. Khan, with the Muslim community, with women, with immigrants, with the South Asian community, and with all who experience fear as a result of this violent act. We are committed to continuing our work for concrete change toward equity, safety, and flourishing for all who are targeted and marginalized by systemic injustice. The many and varied prayers of our diverse GHIAA community are united in common petition for healing of these emotional, physical, and spiritual wounds. May the God we know by many names, including the beautiful name Allah, bless Maryam Khan and her family, and all who suffer fear and violence, and all who join in the work of justice.

Cori Mackey

Executive Director

The Center for Leadership and Justice

Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance

Embracing Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Unity at Riverfront Family Church

We have the privilege of acknowledging and celebrating an important milestone in American history—Juneteenth. This day, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. At Riverfront Family Church, we embrace the significance of Juneteenth, recognizing it as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the African American experience and promote unity within our community.

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared the end of slavery, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth holds immense historical and cultural importance, symbolizing freedom from bondage and serving as a reminder of the journey towards equality and justice for all Americans.

At Riverfront Family Church, we believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the richness of our collective heritage. Embracing Juneteenth allows us to engage in meaningful conversations that deepen our empathy and understanding. By learning about the African American experience and its lasting impact, we can cultivate unity within our congregation and community.

To support your exploration of Juneteenth and facilitate insightful discussions, we recommend the following resources:

1. Reading Materials:

• "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson

• "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi

• "Juneteenth: A Novel" by Ralph Ellison

• "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead

2. Videos and Documentaries:

• "13th" (Netflix documentary) directed by Ava DuVernay

• "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross" (PBS series) presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

• "I Am Not Your Negro" (documentary) directed by Raoul Peck

3. Websites and Articles:

• National Museum of African American History & Culture: Juneteenth Resource Guide (https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth)

• Juneteenth.com (https://www.juneteenth.com/history/)

4. If you're interested in participating in Juneteenth events or celebrations in or near Hartford, Connecticut, we encourage you to consider the following local happenings:

• Juneteenth Jubilee at The Amistad Center for Art & Culture

• Juneteenth Celebration at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

• Juneteenth Heritage Festival at Bushnell Park

Juneteenth presents an opportunity for Riverfront Family Church to come together, honor our shared history, and work towards a future of unity, understanding, and equal opportunities for all. Let us embrace this occasion by engaging in conversations, reflecting on our past, and actively fostering an environment of respect within our church and wider community.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or additional resources related to Juneteenth that you'd like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments. Together, let's celebrate Juneteenth with reverence, gratitude, and a commitment to building a better tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Ben

Pastor Michael

Pastor Liza

Condemning Hate: Defending Unity and Justice Against Nazi Graffiti on the BLM Mural in Hartford

At Riverfront Family Church, we stand firmly committed to the values of peace, allyship, and dismantling systemic racism within our community and beyond. We believe in the power of unity and justice, striving to create an inclusive society that celebrates diversity. It is with deep sadness and righteous indignation that we address the recent incident of Nazi graffiti defacing the Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford, CT. Today, we raise our voices in condemnation of this hateful act and reaffirm our unwavering support for the Black community.

Art has always played a pivotal role in society, serving as a powerful catalyst for change, dialogue, and healing. The Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Black community, a vibrant representation of their struggle for equality and justice. It stands as a unifying symbol, inviting all to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. The heinous act of defacing this mural with Nazi symbolism attempts to undermine the progress we have made and fosters an environment of fear and division.

As followers of Christ, we are called to denounce hate in all its forms. The Nazi graffiti found on the Black Lives Matter mural goes against everything we stand for as a church community. We categorically condemn this act of vandalism, as it not only defaces a powerful expression of the Black community's voice but also perpetuates the oppression and suffering that people of color have endured for far too long. This act reminds us of the ongoing fight against racism and the urgent need to continue working together to dismantle systemic injustice.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for us to come together as allies, standing alongside our Black siblings and neighbors. We must raise our voices in solidarity, amplifying the call for justice and equity. This incident serves as a reminder of the work still to be done to eradicate racism from our society. We are committed to standing with the Black community, not only in times of crisis but every day, as we strive to create a world where everyone can thrive and flourish without fear of discrimination or hate.

We must channel our anger and frustration into action. This act of hate has ignited a fire within us, fueling our determination to continue the fight against racism. As a church community, we will support local initiatives that promote racial justice, engage in conversations that challenge our biases, and actively seek to dismantle systemic racism. We will work tirelessly to foster an environment where all are treated with dignity, respect, and love.

Riverfront Family Church stands firmly against the Nazi graffiti on the Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford, CT. We condemn this act of hate and reaffirm our commitment to peace, allyship, and dismantling systemic racism. Let us unite as a community, embracing diversity, and working together towards a society that upholds justice and equality for all. Together, we can overcome hate and create a future where love prevails and every life is valued.