EVENT: NYC Blackout Secular Rally

Written by Ed Cara and originally posted at Skepchick Events.

In 2012, Washington, D.C. played host to the Reason Rally, one of the largest gathering of atheists, skeptics and freethinkers to date. With at least twenty-thousand in attendance, the Rally allowed diverse viewpoints and experiences to come from all across the country and share their appreciation for secular values.

It’s with that diversity in mind that Ayanna Watson of the Black Atheists of America and Mandisa Thomas of Black Nonbelievers, Inc. were inspired to expand one of their long-held events in Atlanta and create The Blackout, the first and inaugural outdoor secular rally primarily featuring and celebrating non-theists of color!

Taking place in one of the most diverse cities in the world, New York City, The Blackout promises to be one of the most entertaining displays of secularism, with many of its featured guests taking the stage to sing, rap and recite their hearts out – not to mention the occasional uplifting speech too. And the best part? It’s all entirely free.

With guests and attendees both near and far coming down to the Big Apple, it’s sure to be one of the most unique secular events this year, so if you’re anywhere in the NYC area, you won’t want to miss it.

Edit from Melanie: Another great reason to attend–Victor Harris from Mad Art Lab will be there.

The Blackout will be held the last Saturday of the month, July 27th, in Queens’ Flushing Corona Park all afternoon from 12-5pm. If you’d like to know more or make arrangements, be sure to check out the Blackout website for any and all details.

And also stay tuned to Skepchick Events later this month for an in-depth interview with Ayanna Watson and Mandisa Thomas about the Blackout, religion and what it means to be an atheist in the African-American community.

Till then.