Standing for Equality & Justice at Southampton Friends Meeting
As you pass by Southampton Friends Meeting which is located on the corner of Gravel Hill and Street Road in Bucks County, it’s hard to miss the prominent sign stating “Injustice Anywhere Threatens Justice Everywhere.” This sign was erected in response to the death of George Floyd, who died after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on Mr Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Beginning on Sunday, June 7, and continuing every Sunday since then, Southampton Quakers have gathered at that corner at 4 pm for a weekly vigil in support of racial justice.
Between 12 and 35 people have gathered faithfully at this busy intersection, spreading the message of equality and justice for all. The ongoing vigil has been advertised widely on local and social media, with most participants coming from the greater Bucks County area.
“We have a lot of people who honk in support of our message,” said Carolyn Peters Michener, Clerk of Southampton Friends Meeting. “We also have a few who make rude gestures and yell ‘all lives matter’.” She reports that the vigils have been peaceful, and that the meeting has a good relationship with the Upper Southampton police. Although no police presence has been necessary, law enforcement is aware of and monitors the weekly vigils.
“When someone yells out their opinion, it is worthy of respect,” added Jim Michener, “let’s not make our message too narrow.” This began a discernment process about including the American flag beside their signs calling for racial justice. Friends felt that the flag should not be co-opted by any one group of people, as it represents the values in the Constitution that they are trying to promote. The result of this discernment was to include flags at the vigil. “We stand for liberty and justice for ALL” emphasized Carolyn.
Since the vigil is held on such a busy roadway, people driving down Street Road sometimes pull over and ask if they can join in. Carolyn related the story of a man of color who, along with his young daughter, joined the group this way. After he thanked them for their witness, he told them a story about how he had been driving and was stopped by the police for no discernible reason. The officers approached his car with their guns drawn; he feared for his life. He was released without any explanation as to why he had been stopped and he was not charged with any violation. He joined the group for an hour and said he plans to return in the future.
Southampton Friends Meeting plans to continue these weekly vigils for the foreseeable future. Others who share their concern are welcome to join them. For more information or questions, contact Carolyn Peters Michener at caeckel@gmail.com