APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – A re-dedication ceremony was held Friday at an Appleton church that recently had its Black Lives Matter sign stolen.
Once again, the sign is up outside the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
“Unitarian Universalists in general have had a long history for racial advocacy and Black Lives Matter is something that is important to us,” the church’s interim Senior Minister Kathleen Rolenz told FOX 11.
Nearly 200 people took part in the ceremony.
“It’s a predominantly white congregation that believes in racial justice, equity and fairness,” Rolenz said, admitting the church has received criticism about the sign.
Participants say Black Lives Matter is not meant to put one race above others. They said the movement is meant to achieve equality.
“We are really one. It’s not just about black lives. It’s about all lives,” said Ramari Bess.
“In the midst of all the things that are going on right now this is the main focus at this point,” added Silk Bess.
They hope this is just the start of the conversation.
“This right here’s gonna create a movement to bring us closer and to get people to understand and accept each other,” said Silk Bess.
Since the sign was first displayed in February 2015, it has been stolen twice.
