Public Witness

July Public Witness Opportunities

Allison Tanner

July 6, 2022

July Public Witness Forum – Opal Lee, often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” advocates that the United States celebrate freedom from June 19 through July 4, acknowledging the historic struggles toward freedom for all who live in this country, especially African Americans. On July 3, we will discuss the long and ongoing struggles for freedom in the US.

 

Prayers for Sergio – There will be a Time of Prayer for Sergio this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on zoom for the multiple congregations who have accompanied him on his journey to freedom in the United States. On the eve of his asylum hearing, we want to surround him in love, support and prayer.

 

Ride for Palestine – On July 17th I plan to participate in an 11-mile bike ride for Palestine, hosted by Middle East Children’s Alliance, an organization that does significant work addressing the vast needs of children in Gaza, the West Bank and Palestinian refugee camps throughout the Middle East. I encourage you to consider joining me (we can schedule are own time to ride so we don’t miss worship!), sponsoring me, and/or participating in the festivities that afternoon. You can learn more at www.rideforpalestine.org.

 

Study Leave – I plan to take a study leave from July 19 through the end of August. During this time, I will travel to Mexico to continue my Spanish studies, immerse myself in Mexican culture, and visit a few Baptist seminaries working to address immigration justice and justice for indigenous people. Learning Spanish has been important to my work with Latinx immigrants, and in the wake of COVID challenges, I trust this time away will not only be educational, but also restorative and spiritually rejuvenating.

 

Support Immigrants – Pass the VISION Act AB 927

Lakeshore’s Sanctuary Working Group supports passage of the VISION Act to end the ability of Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to collaborate with prisons and jails to transfer immigrants who have earned release directly into detention. This amounts to double punishment for immigrants. Please call Governor Newsom today to show your support of immigrant justice.

Dial (916) 445-2841
 
Call Script: “Hi my name is _____, resident of __________, and a member of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland. I’m joining people all over California urging the Governor to support the VISION Act AB 937. Please pass the VISION Act to protect all immigrants and refugees and keep families together.