Signs of condolence, #turntolove, in New Zealand.

Supporting All of Our Neighbors

In the wake of the horrific attack at a New Zealand mosque, Governor Gary R. Herbert has called for all Utahns to rally around their Muslim neighbors.

“We do not tolerate hatred in our communities,” Gov. Herbert said in his statement on Friday. “During this time of pain and mourning, I hope all Utahns will reach out in love to our Muslim neighbors.”

The Department of Heritage & Arts echoes the Governor’s sentiment. Our divisions work closely with refugee communities through many programs, while many other programs have a specific goal of encouraging inclusion and embracing the diversity of our state.

Whether next door or on the other side of the globe, we are all neighbors. We are all connected. While few of us can directly comfort those directly impacted by this attack, we can embrace those who may feel scare in our neighborhood, in our towns and cities, in our communities.

Further, we can gather to celebrate, to reflect, to learn. We can show unity. This weekend, there are many opportunities to engage with your larger community, through some of the events listed below or one of many others.

TEDxMarmalade: “From Dreamer to Doer,” a speech by Fatima Dirie, the refugee community liaison for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office. Dirie was born in Barawa, Somalia, and raised in Kenya and Utah. She received a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and passionately advocates for human rights and social justice issues, empowering women and youth, and educating people on refugee populations. March 16, 7 p.m., Marmalade Library

Salt Lake Gallery Stroll: Many galleries around the city will open their doors Friday evening for this monthly event. A great place to start would be at Art Access for the “Out of the Night” exhibition, which features artwork from survivors of domestic violence, including many anonymous artists staying in shelters. The Utah Division of Arts & Museums is also opening their exhibition “Landscapes Calm & Desperate” at Alice Gallery. March 15, 6-9 p.m., multiple locations

Markets: Shop local for crafts, artisan products, fresh produce, and arts at the Downtown Winter Market in Salt Lake City or the Saturday Market in St. George.