Balbir Singh Sodhi Embrace Diversity Memorial Event

On September 14, 2003, the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi and the Sikh Community will host an extraordinary memorial event at Chevron Gas Station, 7956 University, Mesa AZ 3 - 4 pm. The memorial event, built upon the theme of Embrace Diversity, will honor Balbir Singh Sodhi as well as all of the victims of September 11th.
One year after Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot to death outside of his Mesa, AZ gas station, Sikhs across the country are still concerned that racial tensions may claim even more victims. Mesa citizen Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot and killed while planting flowers outside of his neighborhood gas station four days after the September 11th attacks. The alleged attacker proclaimed himself a patriot. Balbir Singh was targeted simply because of the way he looked. As a member of the Sikh faith, he wore a turban and beard.

In the year since, at least a dozen other murders in cities across the country have been identified by victims' rights advocacy groups as backlash murders. All of the victims were of Asian or Middle-Eastern decent, all involving murders where no property was stolen or touched.

The event will focus on embracing diversity by building understanding and respect of people of different religions and cultures. In keeping with these themes, there will be participation from leaders who have been active in preventing further backlash and restoring our sense of humanity including United States Attorney Paul Charlton, Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker, Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service Ronald Wakabayashi. In addition, the event will feature prayer, music and a complimentary meal.

For more information on Sikhs, hate crimes and Balbir Singh Sodhi go to www.sikhnet.com.