Vigils Supporting BLM Continue In Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —An event Phoenixville Area High School students initiated in June has a continued life, as vigils continue on Zoom and in-person, in support of Black Lives Matter.

Rev. Doug Hagler of First Presbyterian Church in Phoenixville said there were just under 30 present at the first in-person gathering at the corner of Bridge and Main streets in Phoenixville on July 16. The next event in-person is Thursday, Aug. 20.

Going forward, organizers are planning to alternate in-person and Zoom gatherings. Organizers Diversity In Action called together more than 40 people, under the direction of Rev. Nathan Coleman of Bethel Baptist Church on July 2 via Zoom.

That was followed by the live event on July 16. Another Zoom vigil, hosted by Phoenixville Area Transition Community on Aug. 6, also had about 40 in attendance.

The second in-person vigil will be hosted by St. Peter's Episcopal Church and its new rector, Rev. Samuel Kirabi Ndungu, on Aug. 20, said Hagler. "The intent of these monthly vigils is to sustain a peaceful public presence in solidarity with Black Lives Matter."

"So far we have had three events," said Hagler, explaining that the plan is to host a Zoom vigil on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and an in-person vigil on the third Thursday of each month, also at 7 p.m., and at the corner of Bridge and Main streets in Phoenixville Borough.

"For each vigil we hope to have a host organization," Hagler said. He said those attending and organizing represent local non-profits and religious congregations. Hagler said that among groups represented are Black Light Project, Diversity In Action, Social Concerns Committee, First Presbyterian Church, Bethel Baptist Church, Phoenixville Area Transition Community, and Schuylkill Friends Meeting.

Hagler said in one of the Zoom vigils, a line stood out from one of the songs shared, sung by the Chester Children's Chorus. A recording of "I Still Can't Breathe" asked, "Why are you still afraid of me?"

Hagler, who is also president of the Clergy Association of the Phoenixville Area, said, "It brought out some tears in the moment, and led to some reflection on the planning team about how, after all this time, a black child or adolescent can still be met with fear first, and empathy last, if ever?"

Groups that have expressed interest in hosting future vigils include First United Methodist Church, Nerd Merch, Orion, Blackcellence, and Miss Kitty's Care, among others, said Hagler.

Diversity in Action announced the next vigil saying, "We hope you can join us then as we collectively raise our voices in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and call for an end to the injustices against people of color in our country."

Wearing a mask is required and social distancing must be observed at the in-person vigils. Organizers ask attendees to carry or wear signs in support of Black Lives Matter, if possible.

Event information is posted on the Phoenixville Borough website.

Phoenixville Borough parking lots are available for the event, and alternative parking is available for a donation in the First Presbyterian Church lot at 145 Main Street, or at the Phoenixville Senior Center at 153 Church Street, Hagler said. Signs in each lot will explain how to make a donation.