Sikh Americans remember victims of Oak Creek massacre
Babushahi Bureau
Oak Creek (Wisconsin), August 5, 2024: The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) remembered the victims of Oak Creek Sikh Massacre.
On August 5, 2012, a white supremacist entered the Sikh temple in Oak Creek and opened fire, killing Six innocent members and injuring many others. The perpetrator, identified as Wade Michael Page, killed himself, after an encounter with the police.
"Twelve years ago, our community was irrevocably changed by an act of senseless violence in Oak Creek. The gurdwara - a place of worship, a sanctuary of peace, became a site of unimaginable tragedy. As we mark this solemn anniversary, our hearts ache with the memory of those we lost and the profound impact this event had on all of us. In the aftermath of this horrific day, our community demonstrated extraordinary resilience, courage, and unity. We came together to support one another, to heal, and to work tirelessly to build a more just and inclusive society. We honored the lives lost by redoubling our efforts to educate, advocate, and empower," said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director while remembering the victims.
"The aftermath of Oak Creek was a turning point for Sikh Americans. It ignited a fire within us, a determination to protect our rights, to challenge discrimination, and to build a more inclusive society.
SALDEF has been at the forefront of this movement. We have worked tirelessly to educate the public about Sikhi, to advocate for policies that protect our community, and to empower Sikh Americans to be leaders in their fields. In the face of adversity, our community has shown extraordinary courage and compassion. Let us continue to inspire each other with our unwavering faith, our commitment to service, and our dedication to building a better future. Together, we will honor the memory of those we lost by working tirelessly to create a world where every individual is respected and valued," she added.