Community Invited To “Shine Their Light”
A coalition of local organisations is encouraging members of the community to “let your light shine” today [Sept 22] by driving with headlights on and joining a reflective gathering.
A spokesperson said, “A collaboration including Bermuda Is Love, Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre, Chewstick, CURB, Human Rights Commission, Imagine Bermuda, Peace Collective, Progressive Minds, and Social Justice Bermuda
“Given the murder on Tuesday afternoon, we wish to encourage our whole community to take time to pause for reflection. Please consider all who are impacted by the trauma and meditate on how we personally can make a difference.
“Any glimpse at media sources confirms that the human family is going through really dark times. A time when rampant violence is a preferred means to address concerns, by some most powerful and least powerful people. This, instead of discussing differences and negotiating over concerns, there’s the resort to might makes right.
“In fact, recently there have been – globally – repeated assassinations and assassination attempts on parties literally at the table for peace negotiations.
“Monday, September 22nd is the fall equinox – the beginning of autumn – when the sun is perpendicular to the equator. Thus; the light of the sun is equally distributed to the global south and the global north. That distribution is emblematic of the universal theme of equity, affirming justice for all.
“On Monday, September 22nd, we are inviting every local resident to join in ‘letting your light shine’ by driving vehicles on that day with their lights on. This initiative has both local and global implications:
- Addressing the cycle of violence that has continued to plague our island by those caught up in gangs.
- We can address the general anti-social conduct preferred by some in our society.
- It offers an opportunity to proactively address the global trend promoting divisiveness, polarization, and scapegoating.
- It addresses ongoing scenarios that ignore international law and norms in various locales and supports an immediate ceasefire for what the UN International Independent Commission confirmed on Tuesday, September 16th is genocide in Gaza.
“In addition to vehicles shining their lights, residents are encouraged to foster a sense of community and remember to let their inner light shine:
- Consider going out of their way to assist a co-worker.
- Reach out to a neighbour with whom they may be unfamiliar.
“Also on Monday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, a reflective lunchtime gathering will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at Court and Dundonald St.
“Remember the wisdom of the ages: no need to fight the darkness, just let your light shine.”
