Rev. Cheryl Green, middle, shows her appreciation after Pastor Rev. Jesse Hawkins spoke during an outdoor service entitiled "A Call to Prayer for Social Justice Reconciliation and Healing" at the Cathedral of Grace/St. John Church in Aurora Sunday.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
An outdoor prayer service for social justice, reconciliation and healing was held at an Aurora church Sunday afternoon.
The service at Cathedral of Grace/St. John was held in light of events involving fatal encounters between African-American men and women and the police.
St. John Pastor Jesse Hawkins spoke about the dehumanization and injustices that African-Americans have suffered and endured since the days of Colonial America and have continued to the present day.
"And this is now why, in 2020, we find ourselves in this moment, watching and listening as African descendants of the United States and others around the world take to the streets to demand justice for black people," Hawkins said.
The service attended by approximately 250 people who wore masks and were seated with social-distancing protocol in mind.
Rev. Jesse Hawkins, pastor of St. John AME Church, speaks during an outdoor service entitiled "A Call to Prayer for Social Justice Reconciliation and Healing" at the Cathedral of Grace/St. John Church in Aurora Sunday.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Barbetta Neil sings during an outdoor service entitiled "A Call to Prayer for Social Justice Reconciliation and Healing" at the Cathedral of Grace/St. John Church in Aurora Sunday.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Signs give the names and dates of death for black men and women who were victims of police brutality and white vigilantes, which have been displayed at an outdoor service entitiled "A Call to Prayer for Social Justice Reconciliation and Healing" at the Cathedral of Grace/St. John Church in Aurora Sunday.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
People participate in an outdoor service entitiled "A Call to Prayer for Social Justice Reconciliation and Healing" at the Cathedral of Grace/St. John Church in Aurora Sunday.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com