Seattle Mayor is leaving the light on against Trump
Jan 31, 2017, 11:44 AM | Updated: 2:29 pm
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is asking locals to shine a light in support of refugees and immigrants. (Shawn Carpenter, Flickr)
(Shawn Carpenter, Flickr)
A light in a window has been a sign of invasion from America’s enemies. It has been a symbol of Irish oppression. It has even been a simple sign of good news or welcome message to weary travelers. Now, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is using lights to send a message: While some American leaders are shutting the gates, Seattle will leave the light on for immigrants and refugees.
This week, in Seattle, lights will be a sign of the city’s opposition to the current United States president and his recent executive actions. Mayor Murray is asking his city’s residents to shine a light. In turn, it will send a message of support for immigrants and refugees, and also opposition to an administration he has called “authoritarian.”
Related: Hundreds gather at Sea-Tac to protest Trump order
Murray is asking residents to shine a light at their home at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Mayor Murray organized a Facebook event called “Shine a Light in Support of Immigrants & Refugees.” The idea is simple, take any luminescence and feature it at one’s home. It could be a candle, a flashlight, a lantern, even the glow of a cell phone screen. The mayor is asking people to take a photo and post it on social media with the hashtag #ShineALight.
Shine a light event
Murray’s message on his Facebook event states:
As I’ve said throughout these dark days of unconstitutional and unAmerican executive orders from President Trump, we refuse to repeat discriminatory chapters of our past. It’s time to send a bright, unmistakable message of resolve and unity in support of immigrants and refugees.
On Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7 pm, go outside and shine a light from your home – be it a candle, a smartphone, a lamp or a flashlight – and post pictures to social media using #ShineALight. Together, we can show hope and unity as we fight back against dark forces seeking to divide us.
Murray ends his Facebook message urging Seattle residents to donate to organizations ready to fight Trump’s administration. He points out the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and the ACLU of Washington.
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