Guest blog by Jennifer Brady Cotter and the Make America LOVE again committee. For more on the 2008 hate crimes in Patchogue, check out our film, Light In The Darkness [1].
Joselo Lucero, whose brother was killed in Patchogue, NY in 2008, receives a check for the scholarship fund he began in Marcelo Lucero's name.
When Donald Trump flew in to share his anti-immigrant views at the notorious Emporium club located on the same street as the horrific hate crime against Marcelo Lucero, the people of Patchogue countered his visit by holding their own rally at 89 North—the other large music club in town. The "Make America LOVE Again Rally" served to celebrate the diversity of the community and demonstrate their commitment to building bridges, not walls.
The event also served as a fundraiser for the Marcelo Lucero Award. This scholarship was founded by Joselo Lucero, whose brother was murdered by seven high school students after being incited by the same hateful rhetoric espoused by candidate Trump. The award recognizes a student-created short video that shows the importance of nonviolence and anti-bullying behavior and promotes respect for differences, human rights and/or fostering community-building both in and out of school. The award is presented locally to a student at Patchogue-Medford H.S., the same school attended by Marcelo’s assailants, and internationally to a selected young filmmaker whose work is part of the United Nations Plural+ Film Festival FERA.
With the support from an all-star lineup of musicians, visual artists, local officials, speakers, and volunteers, the event raised over $7000. Upon receipt of the checks on stage, Joselo Lucero brought cheers from the crowds by saying, “Who needs politicians? We have love!” Leading up to the event, volunteers plastered the community with signs saying “Hate is not welcome in Patchogue. Make America LOVE Again.” Not only were the signs seen throughout the community, but they were picked up by the national media, as well. The New Yorker, The Nation, and NBC News all featured the sign during their coverage of the event.
Those who wish to support this effort can still get involved by placing their own bid for their piece of the LOVE. The artwork created live during the "Make America LOVE Again Rally" is currently being auctioned off on Facebook. If you visit the auction page, you will find the incredible works that the artists created to translate their individual emotive concepts of peace, love and unity. The event runs through till 8pm on May 1st and all funds raised will also be donated to the Marcelo Lucero Award. You can participate in the auction here [2].