SMART Following Up with Local, Federal Law Enforcement in NYC Washington, DC – The Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), a national civil rights organization, is encouraging the Sikh American community to attend a vigil promoting unity and peace in Queens, New York on Tue. August 19. The vigil is in response to the recent attack on a Sikh family in Queens, New York. SMART has learned that the August 3 hate crime in Queens, NY is being actively investigated by the NYPD. SMART has been consulting with the FBI and the NYPD Bias Crimes Unit to ensure that both federal and local authorities are diligently moving forward in the investigation. Communities in New York City are responding actively by supporting the Sikh family and condemning the incident. Local community organizations, led by New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE), have come together in organizing the “Vigil Against Violence.” The vigil, supported by several local and national organizations including SMART, will be held in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY on Tuesday, August 19. Details about the event, scheduled as a march, are follows: Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2003 Time: 6:30 P.M. sharp Assemble at: P.S. 69, in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY at 77-02 37th Avenue March to: Frank D. O’Connor Playground on Broadway, between 78 and 79 St SMART encourages the Sikh community in New York City to distribute information about the vigil to their family and friends, and attend the vigil in l
