Returning to the Scene of the Crime: Phoenix, Two Years Later

Two years ago, on July 29, 2010, I was arrested in Phoenix for nonviolent civil disobedience during large protests against SB1070, Arizona’s anti-immigrant law. As the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and a man of faith, I knew it was my obligation to stand in opposition to this draconian legislation that harms immigrants and people of color, tears apart families and destroys the peace of mind within American communities. I was one of many who raised our voices that day. Our peaceful acts of conscience were treated as crimes. This June, I will return to the scene of that crime. Two years have passed since the implementation of SB1070, and for the first time since my conviction, I will join with thousands of Unitarian Universalists from around the country, other people of faith, our local social justice partners and residents of Arizona. We will gather in peace, in solidarity and to bear witness to the truth.