Patchogue, NY: In the wake of the murder of Marcelo Lucero and other anti-immigrant violence on Long Island, many community members are using the arts and media to spread messages of hope and unity. Others are using faith-based means to discuss difference, examine questions around immigration, and build inclusive communities.
November 8 marks the one year anniversary of the hate crime killing of Marcelo Lucero in Patchogue, NY. The family of Marcelo Lucero and the people of Patchogue and Suffolk County, NY are planning a series of events.
Next Saturday Nov. 7th a Community Vigil will be held at the site where Marcelo Lucero was brutally slain on Nov. 8, 2008. Marcelo's family will be present. Participants have been asked to wear white t-shirts.
In a public statement Marcelo's brother Joselo Lucero said, "Our message is no more violence but peace, no more racism but instead brotherhood and no more abuse rather respect. During the vigil, we will collect donations for the Marcelo Lucero Scholarship that I created last year for the students of Patchogue-Medford HS and monies will also be used to send a mural to Gualaceo, Ecuador, which was created by Pat-Med students as a symbol of peace."
A religious service will follow at the nearby Congregational Church, 95 E. Main in Patchogue.
The Village of Patchogue and South Ocean Middle School are sponsoring an exhibit called Embracing Our Differences which will be displayed in front of the Middle School on South Ocean Avenue from November 3-Nov. 10.
The Working Group film crews will be there to document the anniversary events.