Texas “Hope not Hate” Candlelight Vigil to Remember Hate Crime Victims
On Sunday, October 12, the Equality Texas Foundation will hold a "Hope not Hate" 10th anniversary candlelight vigil to remember the hate crime killings of James Byrd, Jr. and Matthew Shepard. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is honored to be a supporting organization of the event, which will take place at University Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. "Hope not Hate" will honor the memories of these men and show support for hope over fear and love over hate.
The story of James Byrd's tragic death began in Jasper, Texas, on June 6, 1998. James, an African-American, had been offered a ride by three white men as he walked home from his niece's bridal shower. Instead of taking him home, however, the men took him to a wooded area where they beat him, before chaining him to their truck. The horrific dragging death that ensued left a three-mile trail of blood and body parts, according to police.
As the murder of James Byrd reminded the nation that racism continues to poison minds and take lives, the murder of 21-year-old gay college student Matthew Shepard showed society the destructive reality of homophobia. After leaving the Fireside Bar with two men in Laramie, Wyoming, the night of October 6, 1998, Matthew was found the next morning tied to a fence, tortured and battered beyond recognition. Matthew died five days later from massive head trauma. He was so savagely beaten that the biker who found Matthew thought he was a scarecrow. Matthew's young life has inspired countless individuals, gay and straight alike, to educate the public about the need for greater acceptance and understanding while also serving as a timeless role model for many young people coming out for the first time.
The deaths of James Byrd and Matthew Shepard sent shockwaves around the nation, triggering candlelight vigils and calls for renewed attention to the consequences of ignorance and hate.
Equality Texas remains on the forefront of raising awareness of prejudice in all forms and ending discrimination so that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live in communities where justice and equality are valued. Equality Texas led the fight for stronger hate crime laws and helped pass the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act through the Texas Legislature, before it was signed into law by the Governor in 2001. Additionally, Equality Texas brought national attention to anti-gay hate crime in Texas.
The legislative action taken by the State of Texas is an important first step to combat hate crime. Now is the time to make our federal hate crime law inclusive by adding sexual orientation and gender identity, which will help prevent further loss of life to the senseless violence of ignorance and hate.
SLDN is proud to stand in solidarity with organizations like Equality Texas to support the candlelight vigil. During this time of awareness and remembrance, we commit ourselves to ensuring that the legacies of James Byrd and Matthew Shepard will live on as testaments to a future in which hope triumphs over hate in a society that embraces inclusion so that all people can live openly and honestly to their full potential, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or race.
For more information about the vigil, click here.
10-09-08 By Paul DeMiglio |
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