On Monday night, Baha'is of Naperville sponsored screening of the movie Origin in the Naperville public library. Bringing the movie Origin to the community, fostered meaningful discussions about the issues raised in the film and in Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, which inspired the film.
This year's Naperville's Race Amity Day picnic was held in the late afternoon of Sunday June 9th, and was attended by close to 100 people. Following beautiful devotions, Dr Geneace Williams, Naperville's first Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, spoke on her work in Naperville and upcoming events to be involved in as well as the meaning and mission of Race Amity. JIm Percic explained Race amity and the growing movement in Illinois, and read the Proclamation from the DuPage County Board. Cat Gaddis and her band gave an amazing performance.
On Saturday May the 11th, Baha`i Community of Naperville hosted a discussion on Baha`i Perspective on Recasting Humanity's Relationship with the Natural World.Friends from surronding communities participated in discussion at the Nichols Library. Copies of "One Planet, One Habitation", a statement of the Baha`i International Community was handed out to all participants. The b
Baha`is from the surrounding communities, enjoyed the celebration of 9th day of Ridvan, held at the Waubonsie Lake Park in Aurora. This potluck party was kicked off by a devotional program organized by Behnoosh and delivered by other friends on the significance of Ridvan in the faith. Prayers in Farsi and English were offered, followed by a musical performance and a song by Phillip. Many delicious dishes were shared by friends and kids enjoyed games organized by Linda.
The Baha`is of Naperville sponsored a Race Amity gathering at the Nichols Library on the afternoon of Saturday, January 27th. Friends of the faith as well as Baha`is from Naperville and surrounding communities joined this event for discussion, fellowship and refreshments, and to learn about the origins of Race Amity Day. Race Amity Day is an annual celebration of the interracial partnerships that have been battling for racial justice and equity for generations.
On January 20th, Baha'is of Naperville were among 25 people gathered together to share conversations and food to show their support for Race Amity in Lombard. Among the attendees were three members of the County Board and two Circuit Court Justices. Everyone was treated to a wonderful performance by Danza Joskua de Michoacán, a Mexican folk dance troupe. Justice Chantelle Porter gave an inspiring and positive talk on her work with youth in the juvenile court system. This was the First Annual Race Amity Day potluck. Save the date for the Race Amity Day picnics to be held on June 9, 2024
On the first Sunday of 2024, Baha`is participated in the 19th annual World Peace Day Interfaith Prayer Service which was organized by the Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association (NILA) held at Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College. Baha`is presented a table of prayer books and literature about Baha`i Faith and World Peace. Baha`is from surronding communities also sang a prayer accompanied by two drums.
Baha`is of Naperville and friends from surrounding communities volunteered on December 2,2023 at Springbrook Prairie Restoration work day. They helped remove invasive species to restore the prairie to its original native plants. This helps to restore the habitat for native wildlife. It also helps with water management and prevention of flooding in our community.
A Race Amity Day picnic was held on June 11th at Central Park in downtown Naperville. The picnic was sponsored by the Baha'is of Naperville and 41 people attended from diverse backgrounds. A brief program started off the picnic in the pavilion, where the proclamation from the DuPage County Board was read by Jim Percic, founder of Illinois Citizens for Race Amity. The DuPage County Board proclaimed June 11th Race Amity Day, and Jim gave a brief description of the origins of Race Amity Day.
