David Griffiths
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davidagriffiths.bsky.social
David Griffiths
@davidagriffiths.bsky.social
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davidagriffiths.bsky.social
Twenty-four years ago, a Sikh father was murdered in front of his gas station in Mesa, Arizona by a man who called himself a patriot. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first person killed in racial violence in the aftermath of 9/11 — violence that has never stopped. He was targeted for his turban, his brown skin, his faith, and how he looked. The dehumanization that took his life after 9/11 — casting brown people as inherently suspicious and potentially terrorist — laid the groundwork for today’s brutal campaigns of cruelty against immigrants. Let’s remember not only how he died, but how he lived. He was a kind-hearted and generous man, whom many called “Uncle.” He gave candy to children who came to his gas station as if they were his own. He helped people who didn’t have money for gas. His brothers would shake their heads — was he a sage or a fool? But Balbir Uncle would simply smile, saying we are called to serve all. He had come to America to escape persecution against Sikhs in India. He was planting flowers in front of his station when he was shot in the back. His brother, Rana Sodhi, chose to forgive his killer and call for an end to all violence. Balbir Uncle wore his turban as part of his faith — a visible commitment to love and serve all of humanity. What if we chose, like Balbir Uncle, to treat all as family — to see no stranger? Today, as we remember Balbir Singh Sodhi, let’s recommit to protecting our neighbors and fighting for a world of justice, belonging, and revolutionary love. #BalbirSodhi #SeeNoStranger #NeverForget Original artwork by @loquacious_lines.
September 15, 2025 at 3:01 PM