Sikh Coalition
@sikh_coalition
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The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that works towards the realization of civil and human rights for all people.
New York, NY
Joined June 2011
We are thrilled to announce that The Sikh Coalition is now officially on BlueSky, the newest and fastest growing social media platform! 🌟. We look forward to interacting with sangat and our partners in this exciting new environment. 👨🏽💻. #BlueSky
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Further update: We are sad to confirm that at least four of those killed in Thursday night's attacks are members of the Indianapolis Sikh community.
Our statement on emerging news regarding the shooting at the Indianapolis FedEx facility:
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Our statement on emerging news regarding the shooting at the Indianapolis FedEx facility:
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Today, 75 organizations--led by @mujerxsrising--ran an open letter in the @nytimes supporting the #FarmersProtest and calling on India to "support the core principles of democracy.". Thank you for raising your voices in solidarity in this critical moment!
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THREAD: The Sikh Coalition is aware of—and deeply disturbed by—an apparent hate-motivated attack on a Sikh teen on a NYC bus yesterday. Per reporting, the assailant insulted and attempted to tear off the young man's turban and punched him repeatedly.
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Thank you @Rihanna for standing up for farmers in India who have been protesting for months. For over a week, the Indian government has been suspending internet services around #FarmersProtest sites in a clear affront to the freedom of speech.
why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest
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“The Bench," a new children's book by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, features illustrations of a diverse group of fathers and sons--including a Sikh father in a turban cheering on his son. #RepresentationMatters
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.@gucci @Nordstrom The Sikh turban is not just a fashion accessory, but it’s also a sacred religious article of faith. We hope more can be done to recognize this critical context. #appropriation
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Our latest statement regarding the mass shooting at the Indianapolis FedEx facility, which includes remarks from one victim's family member, a community leader, and our Executive Director Satjeet Kaur:
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Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims of the Indianapolis FedEx shooting announced so far:. Matthew R. Alexander.Samaria Blackwell.Amarjeet Kaur Johal.Jaswinder Kaur.Jaswinder Singh.Amarjit Sekhon.Karli Smith.John Weisert. (list via @WISH_TV).
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We are in contact with the survivor and working with him to provide support as needed; he has requested anonymity for the time being. Our current understanding is that NYPD is, appropriately, investigating this incident as a hate crime.
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Congratulations to our first Marine Corps client, Sukhbir Singh Toor, on his promotion to Captain yesterday! The Sikh Coalition continues to fight for Capt Toor's right to fully maintain his articles of faith as he continues his career in the USMC.
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🚨 Repost from @priyamanntv : "Navneet & Harpreet made history as the first married couple from Michigan to climb Mount Everest! ⛳️🪯👏🏾. The Sikh couple also did something that’s never been done before - they placed the Nishan Sahib at the top of the world!! Chardi Kala!” 🏔️🙌🏾
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Eight people lost their lives and more were injured at their place of work. Hate and violence are a threat to all of us. We must support one another in our grief and we must call on our elected officials to make meaningful change.
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"We choose to remember Taptejdeep as the hero he was." Tragically, Taptejdeep Singh was killed in yesterday's shooting in San Jose, CA. Read a statement from his family and a co-worker he called to warn about the gunman:
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Sikh American actor & designer Waris Ahluwalia was denied entry to @AeroMexico flight this morning. #StandWithWaris
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As we stand alongside our allies from all communities, we will continue to insist that no one should have to fear for their personal safety while simply existing in public.
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"I'm lucky to be a Sikh." - Dilzafer Singh. @CNN's United Shades of America with @wkamaubell airs its groundbreaking Sikh episode Sunday, May 6th. #UnitedShades #SikhsOnTV
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We will continue to provide updates in accordance with the wishes of the young man. We thank allies from across all communities who have spoken out, and urge vigilance for all given the current climate—especially given the heartbreaking recent news out of Illinois.
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Second Lieutenant (2LT) Anmol Narang is the first observant Sikh and first observant Sikh woman to graduate from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point in their 218-year history. Photo credit: Second Lt. Lauren E. Karbler
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The Indian govt. has now suspended internet services for the entire state of Haryana until 1/30. Shutting off the internet is an often-used govt-sponsored attempt to silence dissent. We continue urging @POTUS to stand up for civil and human rights in India. #FarmersProtest.
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Latest Update: Eight Indianapolis-area gurdwaras release joint statement on Thursday night's shooting at the FedEx facility.
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The Sikh Coalition was deeply saddened to learn of this morning's shooting at a San Jose, CA VTA facility. We understand that there are many Sikhs employed at this facility, and the community is in our prayers and our hearts as we work to learn more.
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The Sikh Coalition is aware of the disturbing video of a Sikh UNC Charlotte student being handcuffed, allegedly due to his kirpan. We are in contact with the young man in the video; we have provided him with resources and will continue to offer guidance moving forward.
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"The Sikh community is disproportionally attacked. for being who [we] are, and that has to change.". Watch ED Satjeet Kaur's full interview with @CNN below. We will continue to provide updates from the Indianapolis sangat as we have more to share.
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Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered 19 years ago in the first deadly hate crime after 9/11. Every American deserves the right to practice their faith peacefully and safely. Today, we commemorate his life and honor those impacted by hate across the United States in the years since.
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Photos from this weekend's #FarmersProtest solidarity demonstration in Washington, DC. #IStandWithFarmers
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Thank you @hrw for speaking about India's anti-democratic actions, both in the face of the #FarmersProtest and in broader service of the Modi government's Hindu nationalist agenda.
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The turban is not just an accessory to monetize; it's a religious article of faith that millions of Sikhs view as sacred. Many find this cultural appropriation inappropriate, since those wearing the turban just for fashion will not appreciate its deep religious significance.
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"In the face of govt. failure and infrastructural collapse, civil society groups are stepping forward." Read this @TIME piece by colleague @simran about how @Khalsa_Aid + @Hemkunt_Fdn are delivering oxygen cylinders to #COVID19 patients in India. #Seva
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CNN's #UnitedShades of America with @wkamaubell won an Emmy for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program AND the "Sikhs in America" episode won Outstanding Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program! We are honored to have helped facilitate. #SikhsOnTV #Emmys #Emmys2018
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We’re excited to be here at the 44th Annual Yuba City Kirtan 🙌🏾 . Our Senior Digital Communications Manager, Afy, will be sharing updates on our instagram -@sikhcoalition- throughout the day! . Follow us on IG for more footage 🎥 & pics from today! #SCyuba44 #YubaCityNagarKirtan
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Update: Waris standing ground in Mexico City after AeroMexico fails to meet civil rights demands. #StandWithWaris
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Taj Sardar, a Sikh gas station owner in Kentucky, was subjected to a racist rant posted online by an off-duty ambulance employee. Since then, the employer of the man, whose name has not been identified, has apologized for his actions. The unidentified man has not been suspended.
An off-duty ambulance employee went on a racist rant on his Facebook page accusing this gas station owner of being a terrorist.
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THREAD: The Sikh Coalition has learned that two Sikh individuals have been attacked and robbed in Richmond Hill, Queens, very close to where Mr. Nirmal Singh was assaulted on April 3.
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.@RepDanCrenshaw also introduced a statement honoring #DeputyDhaliwal into the House floor on Tuesday.
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On June 1, 1984, Operation Blue Star marked the beginning of not just a coordinated assault on Darbar Sahib and other gurdwaras in Punjab, but years of genocidal violence against Sikhs. Today, we stand with our community in remembrance. Learn more:
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Vigils will be taking place across the country tomorrow to remember and honor the lives lost in Indianapolis. Please follow this thread as we will continue to add to it with more information.
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The Sikh Coalition is deeply concerned about escalating human rights abuses against Sikhs in Punjab. We've sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the U.S. Department of State to take immediate action in support of democratic norms and human rights.
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“Tone matters in our political discourse because this is a matter of life or death for millions of Americans”
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UPDATE: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department has arrested Mohamed Hassanain for the January 3 attack on "Mr. Singh," a Sikh taxi driver, at JFK airport. The incident is being considered a hate crime. Read more:
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The Sikh Coalition is devastated by the loss of life at yesterday's VTA shooting in San Jose, CA. We are sad to learn that at least one Sikh community member, Mr. Taptejdeep Singh, was among those killed; we are keeping his family and the families of all victims in our prayers.
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“No community should ever feel unsafe in their house of worship, and Sikhs nationwide stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters as we grieve together.” - Sikh Coalition ED, Satjeet Kaur in response to synagogue shooting. Full statement:
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.@TuckerCarlson / @FoxNews: Why is this picture of @JustinTrudeau at Darbar Sahib--the world's holiest site for Sikhs--used in this hysterical segment on Canada's COVID-19 policies?. Using images associated with Sikhism--or any religion--to stoke fear and panic is despicable.
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After @rihanna tweeted yesterday in support of the #FarmersProtest, activists from around the world have joined in calling attention to the Indian government's assault on the human and civil rights of protestors.
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THREAD: Today marks the 10th anniversary of the deadliest massacre of Sikhs on U.S. soil ever--but too many Americans don’t #RememberOakCreek. Watch the video by @sikh_coalition + @RevLoveProject to learn the story and take action.
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On Sunday evening, an elderly Sikh man was found dead in front of a park in Tracy, CA. The motive for the stabbing is still unknown, but police are not ruling out that this could be a hate crime. We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates.
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Exactly one year ago, eight individuals were killed when a gunman opened fire at an Indianapolis FedEx facility. Others were injured or traumatized. On this solemn day, our hearts are with Indianapolis and all those whose lives have been forever impacted by this act of violence.
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🚨Update: The @FBI has published wanted posters for Vikash Yadav, the former RAW employee accused of directing the 2023 plot to assassinate Sikhs on U.S. soil, in English, Punjabi and Hindi. The search for Yadav remains ongoing.
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THREAD: The Sikh Coalition is deeply saddened to learn of the death of 66-year-old Jasmer Singh, who was assaulted following an altercation after a car accident in Queens on October 19. Mr. Singh passed away from his injuries in the hospital on October 21.
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THREAD: Today marks 21 years since Balbir Singh Sodhi, a turbaned Sikh man living in Mesa, AZ, was shot and killed in the first deadly post-9/11 hate crime. Balbir’s killer had claimed the day before his violent spree that he sought revenge for the terrorist attacks.
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We're lawyers, teachers & athletes. We're also activists, fighting for civil rights. Our voice & story. #SikhProject
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We are deeply disappointed to learn that Gov. Gavin Newsom has chosen to veto SB403, a historic bill that sought to ban caste discrimination in California. In partnership with the California Coalition for Caste Equity, the Sikh Coalition was proud to sponsor this legislation.
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We are deeply grateful to @RepSwalwell for his leadership and allyship with regard to pushing for action in response to Indian transnational repression. Read his latest statement:
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BREAKING: A second indictment has been unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the 2023 plot to assassinate U.S.-based Sikhs—this one against an Indian government employee.
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Congratulations to Gurbir Grewal, the first Sikh attorney general in the United States.
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BREAKING: Hollywood actor Waris Ahluwalia rejected from flight due to his Sikh turban and beard. #FlyingWhileBrown
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Today, as the nation continues to mourn in the aftermath of hateful acts of violence in California, Texas, and Ohio, we also mark the seven-year anniversary of the tragic Oak Creek, Wisconsin shooting that took the lives of six Sikhs and injured several more. #RememberOakCreek
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The Sikh Coalition is aware of the reported assault on an elderly Sikh man in Queens, New York this morning. We are working quickly to engage the Richmond Hill sangat to learn more facts and details and assess what resources and support could be useful.
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Nine years ago today, a neo-Nazi gunman with white supremacist ties murdered six Sikhs in their Oak Creek, WI, gurdwara. Another community member passed away from his injuries just last year; still others were wounded or had their lives changed forever by the loss of loved ones.
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It is deeply disappointing to see Harmeet Dhillon's (@pnjaban) delivery of ardaas at the Republican National Convention being questioned or attacked by prominent conservative voices.
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Today, the Arizona State Board of Education voted to approve new state education standards, which for the first time ever include Sikhism! We are proud to work with community leaders who made this victory possible. Thank you for your advocacy!
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On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered in what became the first deadly hate crime post 9/11. Today, we commemorate his life and honor those who have been impacted by hatred across the United States in the years since. via @asnowreports
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Photo via Satjeet Kaur, our Executive Director, who is attending the signing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act in Washington, DC today: In the hallway outside the bill signing, a small memorial to Balbir Singh Sodhi, the first American killed in the aftermath of 9/11, is displayed.
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We've argued before that dangerous narratives purposely conflate all Sikhs with Khalistanis and all Khalistanis with violent extremism. Here's an example of how it works—courtesy of disinformation, Indian media, and a Senior Fellow at @AEI, a major U.S. think tank.
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#FarmersProtest: Ranjit Singh was granted bail by a Delhi court today after being detained and beaten by police. According to reports, many protestors are still in jail after being arrested in January. We continue urging @POTUS to protect the right to peaceful protest in India.
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UPDATE: According to news reports, law enforcement is investigating the WA shooting of Sikh man as hate crime.
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“I thought it was so safe." Women at Gurdwara Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis gathered yesterday for langar seva. They also mourned the lives lost in Thursday's shooting. Hear their stories:
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We are deeply saddened to share that yesterday afternoon, Khalsa Gurmat Center in Federal Way, Washington, was vandalized and robbed. The divaan hall was badly damaged, and control panels and windows were broken.
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Congratulations to Jagmeet Singh, the Sikh who will now lead a major national party in Canada!
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As per reports, Jag Bains is the first Sikh and Indian American winner in the Big Brother's 25-season run. Congratulations to Jag for this achievement!
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UPDATE: 2 potential suspects have been arrested in connection with the vicious assault of an elderly Sikh man in #Manteca, CA. We thank everybody for the tips that have come through over the last 48 hours and encourage them to keep coming as this remains an active investigation.
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Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered 16 years ago today in the first fatal hate crime after 9/11. We work to #EndHate --
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UPDATE: Sikh man shot in Kent, WA is thankfully dealing with non-life-threatening injuries as local law enter early phases of investigation.
Kent Police speak on Sikh American being shot. Shooter shouted ‘Go back to your own country’ before firing @KIRO7Seattle #HateCrime
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Sikh designer & actor @HOUSE_of_WARIS denied onboard @AeroMexico from Mexico 2 NYC this morning due to fear.#EndHate
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Although Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, it is included in classrooms in only 16 states nationwide. Sikh residents in NY, submit a letter to your state elected officials to include AANPHI history in schools:
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During India's coronavirus lockdown, a group of sevadaars has kept the kitchen open at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, making 100,000 meals a day to serve those in need across Delhi. Soon, they expect that number to grow to 300,000 meals daily. #Seva
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A passenger put a gun to the head of a Sikh Uber driver after demanding to know “which country do you belong to?” and telling him “I hate turban people” on Sunday, January 28th. Almost 3 weeks later no arrest has been made. More: #JusticeForGurjeet
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On September 15, 2001, a man shot Balbir Singh Sodhi in a deadly hate crime. In this piece, Rana Sodhi speaks with his brother's killer and offers him forgiveness. @valariekaur @RevLoveProject @PRI @pritheworld --
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'LIKE' if you think @LaurenJonesGOP should apologize. 1) The image is Sikh soldier. 2) Military protects religious pluralism. #LetSikhsServe
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Sikhs and other communities are stepping up to provide hot meals, medicine, shelter, and more for those who were left stranded after devastating flooding in British Columbia, Canada --> @khalsaaidca #Seva
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Twelve years ago today, a white supremacist gunman with neo-Nazi ties attacked a gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Today, we join the broader community in Oak Creek and Sikhs across the nation to pause in remembrance of that horrific attack.
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Congratulations are in order for Councilmember Manpreet Kaur who was elected by Bakersfield City Council as the new vice mayor and Jasjit Singh for being elected as the new President of the Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education!
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After Sikh gas station owner Taj Sardar was subjected to a racist rant posted online, his local Kentucky community has rallied to support his business. In addition, the off-duty ambulance employee who made the racist comments has since been terminated by his employer.
Business is now booming for one restaurant owner in Ashland after he and his restaurant were subjected to racist comments last week over social media.
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Thank you to @CNN and @wkamaubell for joining us last night for a pre-screening of #SikhsOnTV #UnitedShades episode airing this Sunday, May 6! Thank you as well to all the fantastic community members that helped make this happen. Airs 10pm ET/10pm PT/ 9pm CT
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We are excited to announce that CNN’s Emmy Award-winning #UnitedShades with @wkamaubell will feature the first-ever hour-long #SikhAwareness cable episode exclusively focusing on the Sikh American community. The show is scheduled for May 6th at 10pm ET/PT.
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#FarmersProtest Thread: Four protesting farmers are among at least eight people killed in India yesterday after an incident involving prominent political leaders of the current Indian government.
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We are investigating this case and will provide updates when appropriate.
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The Sikh Coalition will not stand by as harmful rhetoric about our gurdwarae and unfounded claims about our community continue to circulate unchecked. Read our further reflections on the conversation around the @sacbee_news's recent reporting →
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BREAKING: IMPD now say that in March 2020, they learned that the Indianapolis shooter "had visited White supremacist websites.".The need to investigate a possible bias motive in this deadly attack is clearer and more urgent than ever. Statement to come.
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Happy to work with congressional offices around the country in spreading Sikh awareness today. Happy #Vaisakhi & stay tuned for updates!
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"I think he was a hero to the next generation."."Our lion may be gone physically, but his legacy of selfless service and of breaking down barriers will continue to live on."."Service to other human beings was center to his life."."He would not want us to give in to the darkness."
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Congratulations to Officer Tegpreet Singh, the first observant Sikh American policer officer in the state of Florida!
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Encouraging violence is never acceptable--certainly not against peaceful protestors, as was the case against #FarmersProtest demonstrators today. Tech platforms must do more to stop calls for targeted violence in India, the United States, and elsewhere.
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1/3 Following 9/11, there were hundreds of incidents of hate crimes, school bullying, and broader discrimination against Sikhs & others. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first of many Americans killed in the backlash, and Sikhs, Muslims, & others endured slurs and harassment for years.
Overall, Americans took 9/11 pretty calmly. Notably, there wasn't a mass outbreak of anti-Muslim sentiment and violence, which could all too easily have happened. And while GW Bush was a terrible president, to his credit he tried to calm prejudice, not feed it 2/.
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100 years ago, the earliest known Sikh soldier, Bhagat Singh Thind, joined the U.S. Army. Many years later & after a prolonged legal battle, Thind overcame racist laws to become a U.S. citizen. We honor the many Sikhs who have served & continue to serve in our nation's military.
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[TODAY IN HISTORY] On February 19, 1923 the U.S. Supreme Court denied Bhaghat Singh Thind citizenship to the United States because of his race & ethnicity. Many years later Thind, the earliest known Sikh solider in the U.S. Army, overcame racist laws to finally become a citizen.
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Welcome everyone! We gather today to reflect on the 2012 massacre of Sikhs in Oak Creek, Wisonsin by a white supremacist. #RememberOakCreek.
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