by We Are Sikhs — August 16, 2017
This situation serves as a painful reminder that there is still much work to be done in bringing Americans of all faiths, colors and communities together.
Sikhs immigrated to America more than 100 years ago because - like our faith - the United States is committed to the ideals of equality, religious freedom and human rights. Regardless of political or ideological affiliation, these ideals have been long embraced in the U.S.
Sikhs have always been proud defenders of freedom, standing up for what’s right and fighting for universal equality. The final living Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh, explicitly requested that we recognize the human race as one.
Accordingly, we are disturbed and appalled by the recent demonstrations and riots by Neo-Nazis. Ideology spewed by White Supremacists, Neo-Nazis and the KKK has no place in American discourse.
What makes America great and, as President Reagan said, makes America a "shining city on a hill," is that we are a nation bounded not by race or ethnicity, but by the fundamental, self-evident truth that all men are created equal.
Our country’s progress toward this fundamental truth is the promise of the United States and this promise has drawn people from every corner of the globe - including Sikh Americans.
This situation serves as a painful reminder that there is still much work to be done in bringing Americans of all faiths, colors and communities together.
We know we’ve improved positive conversations over the years. We know more Americans are coming together because of our efforts. But this latest hateful outburst from the opponents of our values shows us that we are far from done.
While our campaign was never designed to change the minds of extremists, it is our duty to counter their oppression with hope and unity. This climate of intolerance is providing us an opportunity to reach the vast majority of Americans who are disgusted by these hate groups and simply unaware of who Sikhs are and what we believe.
We are Sikhs is just getting started in educating all Americans and sharing our values to end hate. We have a new ad airing on Fox News that has the potential to reach millions with a positive message that will help bring Americans together in a time we need it most.
This is a time where a great many people want to demonstrate that everyone in their community is welcome—we can be part of seizing that opportunity and linking arms with other groups to show solidarity in communities across the country.
In this time of tragedy, We Are Sikhs is bringing Americans together through the values that unite us all – but we can’t do it without you. Please, join us in the fight to end bigotry by spreading our Sikh Values of freedom, service and equality for all.
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