Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gareth Mensah on March 25, 2012 at 9:53pm

Hey Eddie, fellow black atheist here, I wish I could had been there, but I'm glad to hear you had a great time, it's about time atheists unite and make our voices heard.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on March 25, 2012 at 10:19pm

Your pictures came out wonderful!

I enjoyed it. It was a wonderful experience.

Permalink Reply by annet on March 25, 2012 at 11:18pm

Great pix, thanks!

Permalink Reply by Ralph Dumain on March 26, 2012 at 4:53am

I was at the rally yesterday. i was also at the godless Americans rally a few years back. I don't remember the demographics back then. Norm Allen spoke, but I don't recall the percentage of minorities present. Yesterday, however, the presence of black people was conspicuous, and many of the known prominent black atheists showed up. In addition to the black and other atheists I know in DC, I got to meet some folks I've only known online. Also, a fellow I knew back in the late '80s, who dropped out the scene (which was drastically different back then) bumped into me in the crowd. He was astonished to learn of the explosion of black atheist activity in the past few years. I found all these personal encounters very gratifying.

I didn't hear all the speakers, but most were pretty good, even the ones I don't like. I came too late for Ronnelle Adams' speech, and I missed Jamila's because I was peeing in the men's room by the Washington Monument. Jamila was on MSNBC today. I would say that in spite of the rainy day, and that I was feeling like crap (pollen?), it was an inspiring experience.

Permalink Reply by Gean Taylor on March 29, 2012 at 2:20pm

Hey Eddie.  Gean Taylor from Atlanta here.  I rode my Honda Goldwing up and made a weekend of it by visiting an old Army buddy of mine who lives in Fredericksburg, Va.  We visited the Tomb of the Unknown that morning, stopped by some Harley dealers and made it to the Mall at around 1300 hrs.  Just as I anticipated, the Religious Fruitcakes were protesting on the outskirts of the area and there were many verbal debates going on as we approached and entered.  I was very impressed with the gathering and wished the weather would have been better.  I see this as just a beginning.  Excellent speakers.  I ordered a rally t-shirt to wear back on Sunday and wore my Black Nonbeliever's T-shirt to the rally.  It was amazing to see so many nonbelievers in one place and I want to see another gathering in the future.  If the weather would have been better, the place would have been packed.  I had other nonbelievers shaking my hand for coming.  It was awesome!!  Alaska in July!

Permalink Reply by Gareth Mensah on March 30, 2012 at 9:37am

Any chance we make this an annual render-vous?

Permalink Reply by Tiffany on April 5, 2012 at 5:27am

I would have loved to go *sigh* but I am still recovering from major surgery.  From what Hemant Mehta says, this is not going to be an annual event, due to the time, money and effort this takes to put on.  On a positive note, it's wonderful to see that there were strong numbers of black nonbelievers representing at the event!  There are many other secular conferences and celebrations going on around the country and I hope to see some of you there one day!