Faith in Action: Indigenizing Justice and Dignity
This week, Riverside steps boldly into public life with our partners to lift up the voices of those most impacted by injustice.
To indigenize justice is to center the wisdom and leadership of those who have long been ignored—to follow the call of relationship, reciprocity, and repair. Together, we’ll work for housing, healing, and human dignity for all New Yorkers.
October 10–11: Visibility Through Voices II – Celebrating Lesbian Leadership
Hosted by our partners, Masc Identified Lesbians of Color Collective, this two-day, intergenerational conference honors International Lesbian Day (Oct 8) and National Coming Out Day (Oct 11).
Centering the lives and leadership of Black lesbians, lesbians of color, and masculine-of-center women, this gathering embodies the spirit of indigenizing—reclaiming stories, restoring belonging, and honoring the sacredness of every identity.
Despite increased visibility, these women continue to face erasure and marginalization. Through workshops, keynotes, and celebration, Visibility Through Voices II uplifts those whose presence expands our collective imagination of liberation.
👉 Info and registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visibility-through-voices-tickets-1647139872699
Sunday, October 12 – Town Hall with Zohran Mamdani
After worship, join us in South Hall for a town hall conversation with Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, a prophetic voice for equity and dignity in our city.
He’ll share what it means to pursue justice that centers people over profit and dignity over neglect.
After the town hall, we’ll gather for a conversation on what it means to practice Jesus Justice here at Riverside—justice that is embodied, relational, and rooted in solidarity. Together, we’ll reflect on how our faith calls us to show up alongside our neighbors and community partners on their own terms.
We’ll also lift up pressing issues impacting our city’s most vulnerable:
affordable housing, safe and reliable public housing, mental health, and gun violence.
Friday, October 18 – No Kings March
As movements for liberation rise across this land, the No Kings March calls us to reject domination in all its forms—colonial, racial, economic, and spiritual—and to walk together toward a future grounded in justice, care, and freedom for all people.
This national action, led by grassroots organizers, faith leaders, and Indigenous allies, invites us to embody a different kind of power: one that serves rather than rules.
🧭 Safety First: We encourage everyone planning to attend to complete one of the online safety and training sessions to prepare and keep one another safe.
👉 Learn more and register: www.nokings.org
Sunday, October 19 – Bus to Queens College
The following week, Riverside will travel together by free bus to Queens College, joining Metro-IAF organizers as they press mayoral candidates on housing, mental health, and safety.
This is what embodied solidarity looks like—standing shoulder to shoulder with those leading the fight for dignity.
Like our Indigenous siblings who teach us that liberation is communal, we remember that none of us are free until all of us are free.
👉 Register by October 10: https://www.trcnyc.org/event/metro-iaf-ny-mayoral-candidate-accountability-assembly/
Tuesday, October 14 – Testimonies from Gaza’s Families: Public Vigil of Lament
In partnership with the Arab American Institute (AAI), Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) invites you to a Public Vigil of Lament in Washington, DC, centering the voices of U.S.-based Palestinians with families currently living in the Gaza Strip.
This vigil is an act of faithful witness—lifting prayers, grief, and resolve before God as we listen to those most impacted by Israel’s ongoing military bombardment.
Together, we lament the suffering, call for an end to U.S. complicity, and demand humanitarian access and peace rooted in justice. Let these testimonies be a catalyst for change, a collective cry for life and liberation.
👉 More info and registration: https://cmep.salsalabs.org/gaza-families/index.html
Saturday, October 25 – The People’s Agenda: People Over Profit!
We are living at a pivotal moment. Racism, war, economic inequality, and the climate crisis threaten the web of life itself.
To indigenize our movements is to restore balance—to reclaim the truth that the earth and every being upon it are sacred.
Join us for a day-long summit bringing together faith leaders, community organizers, and movement builders for panels, workshops, and strategy sessions grounded in one conviction: People Over Profit.
We gather on this land with reverence, acknowledging the First Peoples who have long led the struggle for life, land, and liberation.
👉 More info and registration: https://www.trcnyc.org/event/the-peoples-agenda-summit/
Save the Dates for these upcoming events:
Metro-IAF Mayoral Forum
Sunday, October 19, 2025
The People’s Agenda One Day Summit:
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Find more info and registration here:
https://www.peoplesagenda2025.org/