On June 13, 2021 the Baha’i Faith community of Huntsville will observe the 64th commemoration of the declaration of Race Unity Day in the United States.
Inaugurated by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States in April 1957, the observance, initially named Race Amity Day until 1965, is held annually on the second Sunday in June to “celebrate the Baha’i teaching of the Oneness of Mankind, the distinguishing feature of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah.”
More than a century ago Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.”
In 1912 on a visit to America, ‘Abdul-Baha, the eldest son of Baha’u’llah, observed, “Until these prejudices are entirely removed from the people of the world, the realm of humanity will not find rest. Nay, rather, discord and bloodshed will be increased day by day, and the foundation of the prosperity of the world of man will be destroyed. … Now is the time for the Americans to take up this matter and unite both the white and colored races. Otherwise, hasten ye towards destruction! Hasten ye toward devastation!”.
Race Unity Day has been observed locally in Huntsville and other areas in North Alabama for decades with a variety of activities, such as public gatherings with invited speakers, music festivals, community picnics, and acts of service.
There are several activities planned for this year’s observance including a zoom meeting to which the public is invited. The Friday, June 11, 2021 meeting will be an opportunity to reflect and affirm the dignity of the diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds of the human mosaic that constitutes the United States of America. It is an informal talk featuring scientific sources, as well as personal accounts from living in Africa and other countries. All are welcome to attend and contribute to the discussion. For more information for the zoom link, please send in your request to hsvlsa9@gmail.com.
A Sunday, June 13 Devotional (9am-10am), which will focus on the spiritual nature of the principle of racial unity and justice, is open to anyone interested to attend the zoom devotional gathering. For more information on the zoom link, please send in your inquiry to hsvlsa9@gmail.com.
“What better time is there to focus on the topic of racism in America than this day. One way to observe these special events -Baha’i Faith National Race Unity Day June 13, U.S. National Race Amity Day & Juneteenth Day June 19- is to have a vision for Racial Harmony & Unity. Seek that vision with a copy of “The Vision of Race Unity: America’s Most Challenging Issue.” Request a copy here.
Other activities will highlight the themes of racial unity and justice through the use of the arts, such as music, storytelling, illustrations, etc., and a package of special materials for children that gives them insight into the importance of racial harmony through stories and artwork.
For other news and updates regarding Race Unity Day activities over the next two weeks, please visit huntsvillebahais.com often.
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You are invited to learn how the national Baha’i Community views the “most challenging issue” of racial prejudice in the United States: https://www.bahai.us/path-to-racial-justice/
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| The National Race Amity Conference May 21- May 23, 2021 was a vibrant conference with dynamic sessions and collaborations across communities, institutions, and faith groups giving us hope and inspiration. You can access the conference sessions at the Attendee Hub – https://cvent.me/rq1VnV (After providing your name and email you will be sent a verification code to enter that will allow you to login to the Attendee Hub). |
| Links to the Saturday evening and Sunday morning programs Race Amity interfaith Service (1 hour 22 min) Highlight Reel of 2021 Interfaith Service (20 mins) Documentary Film on “Roots of the Race Amity Movement” |
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In other related events, the State of Alabama has joined other states in supporting National Race Amity Day with a State Proclamation:
The Bahá'ís of Huntsville, AL 