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LETTERS
MISSISSIPPI TAKES ACTION
by Kimberly Martin
by Kimberly Martin
Fourth of July Event
Moss-laden ancient oak trees graced the lawn of Tullis-Toledano Manor overlooking the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi. The music of a jazz band wafted in the Gulf breezes and mingled with the laughter of children at play. Watermelon juice trickled down the chins of two little girls holding hands. Adults anticipated the fireworks and cooler temperatures nightfall would bring.
What appeared to be a typical July Fourth celebration was in fact a momentous occasion. The first "All-American Picnic" sponsored by The Interfaith Alliance of Mississippi was a great success. SGI members of the Mississippi Chapter joined members of the Jewish, Muslim, Wiccan, Unitarian Universalist and Christian faith groups in celebrating freedom of religion afforded us by our forefathers.
One SGI member was quoted in the local newspaper saying, "The goal of the Interfaith Alliance of Mississippi through this kind of activity is the promotion of mutual respect and tolerance for one another's differences. Take a look around you. You have every ethnic, religious and racial background here. It's proof we can do this."
The Interfaith Alliance of Mississippi received a $1,000 grant from the national organization to put on the Independence Day event. The community showed support for such efforts of unity by waiving fees and lowering costs of equipment, property, banners and t-shirts.
"We're here today to show no matter what your faith, everyone can work together and have fun together," said SGI member, Tim Lockley.
The spirit of Itai Doshin (many in body, one in mind) was in action with people of diverse backgrounds working together toward a single goal.
This one event provided a great opportunity to inform elected officials and candidates of The Interfaith Alliance and its mission. Among the many invited, candidates running for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and Supreme Court Justice were present.
Oliver Diaz, running for reelection to Supreme Court Justice said, "I think it's a great opportunity to campaign. It embodies everything the Fourth of July stands for."
Through positive press coverage, communication and public participation, TIA was able to reach many people with the message of unity and civility. In a state where the majority is overwhelmingly Protestant, religions that are in the minority are seldom recognized or even given consideration.
Other News
Earlier this year, The Interfaith Alliance of Mississippi successfully campaigned to stop a bill that would allow the posting of the Ten Commandments and the use of the Holy Bible as a teaching aid in public schools. SGI members and members of other faith groups wrote letters to their state legislators, the Lt. Governor and the Governor urging them to honor the religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Fortunately, the bill died in Senate Judiciary committee by a dead even vote of 4 to 4. This sends the message that we must speak up. We must take action to protect our rights and the rights of our children.
