All are welcome to the ‘Wheels of Justice Festival’ this coming Sunday, Oct. 30, which focuses on justice and dignity challenges for Palestinians, the Black Freedom Movement and Native Americans. The Tree of Life Educational Fund presents the Festival from 2 to 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.  

Rev. Dr. Steven Jungkeit, Tree of Life Board member and Senior Minister at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, explains, “This ‘Wheels of Justice’ program is an exploration of the struggles for justice and dignity in Palestine, the Black Freedom Movement, and among Native Americans. The program began with a 10-day sojourn through the American South, inspired by the Freedom Riders of 1961, which is taking place during October.” 

He continues, “As various struggles for human and civil rights have erupted across the globe in the past several years, it has become increasingly clear that each of these struggles is inextricably linked – by common challenges and shared tactics of resistance,” adding, “This journey is designed for those who believe that another world is possible, for those who wish to have their spirits and consciences quickened, for those with religion and without it, for those who wish to connect things up. It is a journey for those who wish to listen, to witness, and to act against the ongoing legacy of colonialism and its varied aftershocks.”

The ‘Wheels of Justice’ Festival is an opportunity both to welcome the journey travelers back home and to stand in solidarity with the Lakota on Standing Rock, who are protecting their sacred land against the pipeline; with African Americans who continue to suffer from violence and discrimination in the US criminal justice system; and with Palestinians as they yearn for basic human rights.

The Festival will feature keynote Native American, Palestinian and African-American speakers from the ‘Wheels of Justice’ journey, who will discuss the common issues of justice, racism and resistance.

Jungkeit will share his vision of “Wheels of Justice” and how it began when he saw the 28 ft. high apartheid wall in Palestine, a wall that not only separates Palestinians from their places of employment, but also a wall that separates individuals from r common humanity. 

Native American activist Travis Harden  and Paul Sand will share their stories and songs from the Sacred Stone and Red Warrior camps in North Dakota.  

Laila El Haddad

Poet Marilyn Nelson will also speak along with Laila El Haddad, author of Gaza Mom and Gaza Kitchen, who will address the justice issues pertaining to such basics as food and water. 

Palestinian artist Jennifer Awad will share her exceptional works of art and how art is a form of resistance. There will be a bazaar and art exhibit ongoing throughout the the event.

On the front lawn of the Meetinghouse there is a large tipi in which all are invited to place a good quality sleeping bag, blanket, warm socks, and winter hats for those on Standing Rock whose encampment — the largest since the Battle of Little Big Horn — is preparing for a long, cold Dakota winter. 

The program will conclude with a cultural feast, with Palestinian, African American and Native American foods. 

Admission is $20 — students and those under age 21 free.  Tickets are available at door only.  For more information, call 860.434.8686 or visit www.tolef.org

Laila El-Haddad is an award-winning Palestinian writer, social activist, and public speaker who frequently lectures on the situation in Gaza, the intersection of food and politics, and contemporary Islam.  She is  the author of Gaza Mom: Palestine, Politics, Parenting, and Everything In Between and, co-author of the critically acclaimed The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Culinary Journey. 

She is also a policy advisor with al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network.  Through her work as a writer and documentarian, she provides much-needed insight into the human experience of the region.  She was recently featured  in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown Episode “Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza” as his guide in the Gaza Strip. 

From 2003-2007, El-Haddad was the Gaza correspondent for the Al Jazeera English website and a regular contributor to the BBC World Service. During this time, she co-directed two Gaza-based documentaries, including The Tunnel Trade. 

A graduate of Duke University and the Harvard Kennedy School, she is the recipient of the Clinton Scholarship, as well as the Inspiration for Hope and the Literary Leadership Awards. Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents from Gaza, she currently lives in Clarksville, Md., with her husband and their three children.

Jennifer Awad

Jennifer Awad is a Toronto-based Palestinian artist presently residing in Washington DC / Virginia to expand her artistic career. Born into a family of creatives in varying disciplines, Awad found her unique expression at a very young age through visual art.

Primarily inspired by cultural diversity and the human condition, Awad’s artwork attempts to capture these musings by using bright, bold, saturated color palettes and textural compositions, which are trademark of her contemporary abstract style. Her career as professional artist launched in 2005 with a passion for using the Voice, Power and Compassion of art to bring inspiration to every viewer.

In 2007, Awad started painting in partnership with human rights and non-profit organizations, grassroots movements initiatives, community outreach programs and educational platforms through art talks, live paintings at fundraising events, community projects, open art studios, private and corporate commissions as well as solo and group exhibitions. Today, her work continues to create opportunities and partnerships to bring about social change both locally and abroad, causing her perpetual growth in artistic identity, career and service.

For more information regarding Awad’s work, visit www.kardiagallery.net.