Rhode Island Muslims and recent refugees gathered in Cathedral Square in Providence to feed the homeless. Organized by AHOPE (Americans Helping Others ProspEr) and the MAE Organization for the Homeless, over 300 meals were prepared and served. This was the second annual Giving Back event and it seemed a great success.
AHOPE is a volunteer-based organization that was established to assist new refugees coming to Rhode Island with little to their name. Since its inception, AHOPE has helped scores of families to resettle in RI. The MAE Organization is a spiritually-based but not religious organization that seeks to serve the homeless population in Rhode Island.
This year entertainment was provided by the Tenderloin Opera Company, which builds community between the homeless and advocates through song and theater.
Sterk Zaza is a member of both AHOPE and the MAE Organization.
Christina Roberts speaks about the MAE Organization.
Dr Umer Akbar talks about AHOPE.
Here’s a selection from the Tenderloin Opera Company’s performance.
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Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)
Muslims, many recent refugees, serve the homeless in Providence, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating
Steve Ahlquist is an award-winning journalist, writer, artist and founding member of the Humanists of Rhode Island, a non-profit group dedicated to reason, compassion, optimism, courage and action. The views expressed are his own and not necessarily those of any organization of which he is a member.
His photos and video are usable under the Creative Commons license. Free to share with credit.
"We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” - Elie Weisel
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." - Desmond Tutu
"There comes a time when neutrality and laying low become dishonorable. If you’re not in revolt, you’re in cahoots. When this period and your name are mentioned, decades hence, your grandkids will look away in shame." - David Brooks
Rhode Island Muslims and recent refugees gathered in Cathedral Square in Providence to feed the homeless. Organized by AHOPE (Americans Helping Others ProspEr) and the MAE Organization for the Homeless, over 300 meals were prepared and served. This was the second annual Giving Back event and it seemed a great success.
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