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On
the Eve of the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, Sikh Community Feels the
Impact of Another Devastating Attack:
The Sikh, Muslim, Arab and South Asian
Communities Must Continue to be Vigilant and Must Stand Firmly Against
Hate
Highlights:
- UNITED SIKHS has contacted local law
enforcement and federal agencies to ensure that thorough investigations
will be conducted to bring the perpetrator to justice.
- UNITED SIKHS just released today a
comprehensive set of KNOW
YOUR RIGHTS TOOLKIT that includes pamphlets and cards, including Hate
Crimes information.
- UNITED SIKHS will be working across the
nation to forge relationships with Hate Crimes Joint Task Forces.
If you are interested in joining these Task Forces in your area, please
contact law-usa@unitedsikhs.org.
- Hate Crimes have seen a significant
resurgence against Sikhs; there are 6 cases
that have been classified or have been brought to the attention of
authorities to be investigated as potential hate crimes within the last
year.
New York, NY: The Sikh community of North
Carolina woke up to a rude shock this morning. The
Southern Poverty Law Center reported that a Sikh owned convenience
store was badly damaged due to suspected arson. An early morning fire
that occurred Wednesday 9/7 at State Line Grocery is under
investigation as a potential hate crime specifically due to the
graffiti that was spray painted on the walls of the convenience store
stating, “911 Go Home”.
The nature of the crime and associated language seems to suggest that
this was religiously/ racially motivated. The backlash against the
Muslim/ Arab community has had a collateral impact on the Sikh
community for the last 10 years because of a Sikh's distinctive
identity (turban and uncut hair). this reality has become especially
painful in the last year (click here).
UNITED SIKH Directors and sevadaars in North Carolina have actively
been following the case and have been in contact with the U.S. Attorney
Anne Tompkins and her office (Western District of North Carolina) and
the FBI Charlotte field office. The matter is under investigation and
meanwhile we urge the Sikh community to be extra vigilant and report
any such events to law enforcement authorities (please review the KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TOOLKIT
to educate yourselves and the community to combat all forms of hate and
discrimination).
UNITED SIKHS has also reached out to Gurudwaras in the North Carolina
to step up awareness, assist the victimized family if requested, and
mobilize resources in case of any further tragic events.
We are continuing to work with lawmakers and like-minded organizations
to form hate crime prevention task forces throughout the nation, in
order not only to prevent violent acts such as these from being
perpetrated against members of the Sikh community but also to be able
to respond quickly and effectively on the local level when hate crimes
occur.
How can you help?
Raise your voice! Educate others about Sikhism !
Contact us for material on Sikh
Awareness by clicking here! Donate to our
ongoing advocacy work by clicking here!
Take a look at the calendar of events surrounding the 10th anniversary
of 9/11 below. Please show your support by attending these events, also
consider participating in these events to provide a Sikh perspective,
to honor the victims of 9/11 and promote a peaceful tomorrow:
- UNITED SIKHS Legal Director, Jaspreet
Singh, will be speaking at a Conference, 9-11 After Ten Years:
Cultural, Personal, and Historical Perspectives, hosted by at John Jay
Law College on Sept. 9, click here
for more information.
- National Week of Action: Reflecting on Our
Loss and Reclaiming Our Rights Hosted by Rights Working Group from
September 11th -17th across the country, click here to
view a map of events and find out more about how to get involved.
- An America for All of Us Campaign led by
South Asian Americans Leading Together, click here
to view events taking place across the country and find out more about
how to get involved.
- Prepare New York is a coalition of
interfaith organizations who are hosting a series of events surrounding
the 10th anniversary of 9/11, click here to learn more and get
involved in these events.
- New York Civil Liberties Union 9/11 Memorial
on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Church Street
and Park Place.
- Inter-Faith
Conference at Georgetown University from Sept. 8 to Sept. 10th.
RSVP Required.
Support advocacy work to put an end to
discrimination against
Sikhs. Volunteer with UNITED SIKHS, and Donate to our civil rights
advocacy projects. Volunteer with
UNITED SIKHS, and Donate
to our civil rights advocacy projects.
Issued by:
Pushpinder Singh
UNITED SIKHS
law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
646-688-3525
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Know Your
Rights Toolkit
Protect Our
Identity (POI)
is an ongoing international campaign launched by UNITED SIKHS in August
2010 . It focuses on the need to protect the Sikh community's right to
express its religious identity. Initiatives under the POI
campaign include:
UNITED
SIKHS is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are
willing to spread the message of the campaign within their own
communities. To join or contribute to the campaign, volunteer or donate to UNITED SIKHS. |
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You
can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year
by making a financial gift to the UNITED SIKHS, which will provide
immediate relief and support to those in need. You may donate online at
www.unitedsikhs.org/donate
or send your donations to a UNITED SIKHS office nearest to
you, whose details can be found at https://unitedsikhs.org/contact-us/
.
Ordinarily only 10 percent of your
donation is spent on admin costs.
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OUR
MISSION |
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To transform underprivileged and
minority
communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of
society through civic, educational and personal development programs,
by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.
UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for
networking
between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful
projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to
promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns
and cities.
UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of
organisations
and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that
there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow
beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic
service and social progress on behalf of the common good.
Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to
fulfil
its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow
beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political
exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are
realized by all.
We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the
development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made
possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment
to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and
achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.
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Winner
of the Sikhs and Charities Award
