2021
2021 in Pictures
A Tribute to Abdu'l-Baha
The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá occurred on Nov 28, 1921 in Haifa, in what is now northern Israel and the home of the Baha’i International Administrative Center. Bahá’ís observe this day annually as the anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is Bahá’u’lláh’s appointed successor, and authorized interpreter of His Father’s teachings. The typical observance consists of devotional readings and is held at 1:00 AM, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá passed away about 1:00 AM on 28 November, 1921. As 2021 is the 100 th anniversary of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’is all over the world will commemorate this historical day (November 27 after sunset through November 28 before sunset). All year long in 2021, there will be special programs focusing on the special life of service to humanity of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The Bahá’ís of Fort Wayne, Indiana are hosting a 4-part series called, “A Tribute To ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”. It will be presented in the Local Bahá’í zoom room on the first Tuesday of the months April-July 2021 at 7:00 PM. The exact dates are: April 6, 2021, May 4, 2021, June 1, 2021, and July 6, 2021.
Please join us for these stories and presentations on the life of this remarkable personage, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!
https://journalgazette.net/opinion/letters/20210604/letters
Friday, June 04, 2021 1:00 am
Letters
Baha'is Race Unity Day chance for connections
This year has provided opportunities to look back on our collective past. Certainly, the possibility of safely gathering together is something we have missed.
In 1921, the first “Convention for Amity Between the Colored and White Races Based on Heavenly Teachings” was held in Boston. It was organized by Baha'is Agnes Parsons and Alain Locke, the dean of the Harlem Renaissance, and became known as the Race Amity conference. They were guided by the instruction of Abdu'l-Baha (1844–1921), successor to, interpreter of and exemplar of the teachings of the prophet-founder of the Baha'i faith, Baha'u'llah (1817– 92). It was truly historic; Blacks and whites met together in the same place.
Race Unity Day was established in 1957 by the Baha'is of the U.S. to promote understanding and harmony. It offers an occasion to reach out to others also working toward eliminating prejudices and increasing cooperation.
In Fort Wayne, Race Unity formal programs featured speakers and picnics welcoming families representing the diversity of humankind. All attendees were exposed to the diversity of cultural expression by such groups as the Filipino American Society, the gospel choir of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, African and Native American dances and many others.
Although a Race Unity Day (also called Race Amity Day) gathering is not planned in person this year, Race Unity Day with its emphasis on the oneness of humankind and efforts to bridge the racial divide is something we can all strive to do each and every day. Local Baha'is pledge to continue to do so by serving our neighbors and our community through a spirit of unity and amity. Looking forward, another in-person gathering focused on promoting understanding and harmony may yet be in our future.
Carol Butler
Public information representative, Baha'is of Fort Wayne
Resources for Local Race Amity Day Programs
To assist communities as they plan activities for local Race Amity Day Celebrations, June 13th, the National Center for Race Amity is providing the resources below. The Center wishes to encourage local communities to use and share these resources on Race Amity Day and send them to allies and organizations. This service is in lieu of a formal Race Amity Day Program, such as was provided last year.
