SHOUT OUT FOR JUSTICE
Shout Out for Justice
On June 19, 2020, members of Falls Church Presbyterian, The Falls Church (Episcopal), The Tinner Hill Foundation, and other churches, neighbors and friends, joined together in silent witness to commemorate Juneteenth and demonstrate against racial injustice. After standing in silent witness every other week for a year, we now meet quarterly to Shout Out for Justice.
Join our mailing list to be notified about the next Shout Out for Justice. Then join us along Broad Street in Falls Church from noon to 1 p.m. to sustain awareness of racial injustice toward Black lives and all People of Color.
Next Event: June 17, 2023
June 17, 2023 – Shout Out for Justice to Commemorate Juneteenth
Join us Saturday, June 17, from noon to 1 pm, as we honor this year’s Juneteenth holiday, which occurs Monday, June 19, 2023, and marks the 159th anniversary of the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the Confederacy. It represents a celebration of African American heritage and achievements, but is also a day to recommit ourselves to dismantling the systems of oppression that persist in our society. It is especially important to bear witness to this history now, as forces of white supremacy work to erase it. To quote the late James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” It is essential that Christians and community members demonstrate against white supremacy and systems of oppression, and call for racial justice for all of our nation’s citizens.
Bring a sign and meet us on the sidewalk adjacent to FCPC; we will have a few extra posters on hand for those who need to borrow one.
Juneteenth Resources
What is Juneteenth?
Frederick Douglass on the Fourth of July
Juneteenth Food
Silent Witness Against Racial Injustice
While Shout Out for Justice focusses on a specific issue or event, a small number of people continue to stand in silent witness against racial injustice. Stand with this group every other Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. along Broad Street in front of Falls Church Presbyterian. Bring a sign to show your support of Black Lives and all People of Color. Contact Carol Luten for more information.
Looking for ways to financially support the fight against racism?
Here are some suggestions from our Justice Ministry Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What is a “Silent Witness?”
Is it a protest?
Answer
A Silent Witness is an opportunity for the faith community to come together, show solidarity on an issue, and amplify the voices of the marginalized. In essence it is a protest, but it is also a way to leverage our faith community, while focusing on others in need.
Question
What is the Silent Witness Against Racial Injustice all about?
Answer
Falls Church Presbyterian Church started the Silent Witness Against Racial Injustice to call attention to the seemingly endless number of police shootings of Black Americans. We wanted to stand in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters, to amplify their voices in protest against this violence, and to sustain awareness in the Falls Church community of these issues. We also wanted these Silent Witness events to be ecumenical, which is why we continue to invite the faith community along Broad Street (Route 7) to join us in silent witness.
Question
How often do these Silent Witness events happen?
Answer
As of June 19, 2021, our one-year anniversary of Silent Witness events, we will be moving to a quarterly event. Our fall event will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2021, and our winter event will be Jan. 15, 2022. Spring and summer events will be announced at a later date.
Question
What kinds of focus areas are you highlighting?
Answer
The Silent Witness events focus around issues of racial injustice, but also around significant events in the Black community. We began by commemorating Juneteenth 2020, and have since remembered the lives of the Honorable John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian, and stood in silence against the disenfranchisement of Black voters, inequities in education, and unjust prison reform. We’re always looking for new themes and take inspiration from NAACP Fairfax, Black Lives Matter DC, and events across the nation.
Question
But what if I don’t have a sign?
Answer
It’s OK, we’ve got extra signs for folks. We’re just happy to have you join us!
Question
Where do I stand?
Answer
Please stand on the sidewalk on either side of Broad Street in front of Falls Church Presbyterian. Spreading out a bit is good!
Question
How are you ensuring people’s safety during the pandemic?
Answer
We’ve asked people to wear masks and maintain a physical distance of six to ten feet. We also have “event captains”—look for their fluorescent vests—to keep an eye on everyone’s compliance with current Covid-19 guidelines.
Question
How do people react to your events?
Answer
Most people honk in support as they drive by, though there is the occasional negative reaction.
Question
I still have questions. Who should I talk to?
Answer
If you’re coming to a Silent Witness event look for someone in a fluorescent vest. If you’d like more information contact our Justice Ministry Leaders.
Check out this quick recap from our Juneteenth Silent Witness.
Ready to get involved? Join us at our next event.
Get Connected
There are many ways to get involved in the life and ministry here at Falls Church Presbyterian. Whether you are looking to join a ministry team, serve others through our Welcome Table ministry, sing in the choir or simply find a community to call home, we welcome you and hope that you will find grace, wholeness, and renewal here.