Candlelight Vigil for the AAPI Community

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credit: Sami Abuauad

The Rutherford Civil Rights Commission held a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, April 8th at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church to show support for the Asian Community and Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate.

During the Vigil, there were various speakers from within the community, including high school students and RCRC Commission members. Pastor Shawn, Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, led the opening prayer. The evening concluded with a candle lighting ceremony and moments of silence.

The Rutherford Civil Rights Commission aims to eliminate discrimination, provide conflict resolution services and mediation for civil rights matters, and provide information and referrals. They also offer events and create various displays to increase public awareness of civil rights.

Photographed above (from left to right): Elaine Chin, Carol Hsu, Tenzin Jorden, Hiba Siddiki, Mary Ahn, Mark Tenn - RCRC Commissioner, Beverly Khan Pal - RCRC Co-Chair, and Pastor Shawn Pate - Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.

For more information about the Commission, click here.