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CoHNA unites Georgia's Hindu and African American leaders
The CoHNA-organized event highlights historical ties and collaborative opportunities between communities
CoHNA celebrates shared African American and Hindu American history at the event. / Image - X/ CGI_Atlanta
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) recently organized an event at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Georgia to celebrate Black History Month.
The event centered on the theme of "Building Bridges and Connecting Communities,” brought together Hindu American and African American community members to discuss the definitive role of the civil rights movement in the U.S, and its beneficial imoact on both communities, as well as the road ahead.
Prominent figures from the state legislature, officials, educators, and entrepreneurs graced the event that shed light on the opportunities the civil rights movement created for these communities. They also discussed ways to enhance collaboration and fortify partnerships between their communities.
"What a powerful event was held. The chains have been broken. The links have been linked. The bridge has been built and now it's time for us to crossover," said keynote speaker Rep. Carl Gilliard, chairman of the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus.
"The history of Black America is the history of America itself, so we are very pleased today to be celebrating it with our friends in the Hindu American community. We grew up inspired by the stories of the great men and women who waged the long battle for equality you see showcased all around us today in this inspiring National Center for Civil Rights and Human Rights,” he added.
Dr. Jagdish Sheth, the Charles H. Kellstadt professor of business at Emory University, addressed the audience on the significance of business in fostering community connections. He emphasized the potential for collaboration between the African American and Indian American communities, alongside policymakers, to fuel economic growth and invest in the necessary infrastructure for Georgia's evolution into a global economic hub.
"There is great potential for the African American and the Indian American communities to work in partnership with lawmakers to help drive growth and invest in the infrastructure required to support Georgia's transition from a regional to a global economy," Sheth remarked.
Consul General addressed the GA Legislative Black Caucus at the event 'Building Bridges: Connecting Communities,' organized by @CoHNAOfficial.@GilliardCarl, Chairman of the Caucus; Dr. @JagSheth; & Balabhadra Dasa, President of @AtlVedic, GA senators & Rep also in attendance. pic.twitter.com/8wjjiwrt2o
— India in Atlanta (@CGI_Atlanta) March 15, 2024
Addressing the gathering, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India in Atlanta, said, "Living and working right here in Atlanta, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. drew inspiration from the Ahimsa principles that had guided Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement in general. The connection continued and grew in the decades that followed, with stalwarts like Rep. John Lewis who strengthened the relationship and potential for collaboration via initiatives like the Gandhi King Scholarly Exchange."
“As a member of both minority communities in the US, I can personally attest to the challenges and labeling we face as well - especially when we seek to speak up for ourselves," said Balabhadra Bhattacarya Dasa, president of Vedic Friends Association and a Hindu spiritual leader.
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