Multi-faith vigil and prayer protest in DC

I attended and documented a multi-faith vigil and prayer protest in DC this evening (in the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza). It was one of many large gatherings in the city today protesting the unwarranted and unwanted invasion of the city.

Numerous faith-based groups - Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim & others - were represented in this Vigil of Prayer. It was sponsored by Jews United For Justice, Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, The Festival Center, Congregation Action Network, and Washington Interfaith Network.

From the organizer's call to action:

"The overreach of the federal government has brought violence into our streets. Let us reclaim these spaces as sacred. Together, we will make it clear to the powers that be: we are not afraid. We will defend D.C."

Solidarity.

Ten rabbis (just a portion of who attended)

Food Justice DMV /Justicia Alimentaria DMV - with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

I recently photographed a fundraising event for Food Justice DMV/Justicia Alimentaria DMV, an organization that provides vital food sustenance to thousands in the DC metropolitan area. 

The featured speaker was the distinguished Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, in conversation with Rev. Nilse Furtado-Gilliam of the Clarendon United Methodist Church. They spoke of bravery, mercy, social justice, hope, the blessings and struggles of faith in our daily and political lives, and the necessity of joy as a sustaining presence.

Music and dancing was provided by Son Cosita Seria, who specialize in performing Son Jarocho music.

Thanks to Food Justice DMV founder Denise Woods and Deborah Thornton for this opportunity.