Freedom Rides Inspired GLBT Equality Ride
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SOULFORCE MEDIA ALERT: April 13, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Robyn Murphy, Director of Public Relations and Media
Cell: 612-965-0838 Email: robyn@soulforce.org
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(Lynchburg, VA) Soulforce joins its voice with those mourning the death of activist cleric, Rev. William Sloane Coffin. An important voice has been silenced, though his lifetime of devotion to social justice, peace activism and the civil liberties of the oppressed will continue to inspire generations of activists.
Soulforce proudly presented a Justice Award to William Sloan Coffin during an action, rally and vigil held in Washington, DC at the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2000. Hundreds gathered to hear Coffin address the rally after accepting his award.
Coffin, who became one of those jailed in 1961 as a "Freedom Rider," a group of black and white activists who rode interstate buses in the South to challenge segregation laws, was part of the inspiration for the Soulforce Equality Ride. The Soulforce Equality Ride continues to ride the interstates through the end of this month, challenging colleges and universities whose policies marginalize and kill gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.
Soulforce dedicates the remaining days and dialogue of the Equality Ride to the memory of this great activist. For more information go to www.equalityride.com.
Soulforce’s purpose is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance. For more information go to www.soulforce.org.