ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Surrounded by paintings propped up on easels that promote unity and love, a woman of God was asked about hate.
Olga Sanchez, pastor at Queens of Glory in Allentown, spoke at the Embrace Unity: A Call for Peace event sponsored by Interfaith Temple and Enlightenment Circle on Monday at the Delta Hotel. It was right after.
Sanchez, a pleasant-looking and well-spoken woman, was asked about remarks made on stage by Donald Trump supporters during a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday. He was asked about calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of trash” and making derogatory comments about Latinos in general. , African American, Palestinian, and Jewish.
“Sometimes I think if people would just sit down with us and talk to us, they would understand us a little more. This kind of hatred wouldn’t exist.”
Olga Sanchez, Queens of Glory Minister
On the eve of President Trump’s campaign rally at the PPL Center in Allentown, the woman of Puerto Rican descent bristled.
“To be honest, I was very angry,” Sanchez said. “Those people just don’t understand us, our culture, our way of life. We are very expressive people.
Phil Gianficaro
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Lehigh Valley News.com
Olga Sanchez, pastor of Queens of Glory in Allentown, said that in today’s volatile political climate, mutual understanding can temper hateful rhetoric.
“Sometimes I think if people just sat down with us and talked to us, maybe they would understand us a little more. There wouldn’t be this hate.
“I always say knowledge is power. If you don’t understand us, how can you respect us?”
promoting peace
On Monday, Sanchez was one of several religious speakers at an event promoting peace, understanding and solidarity amid heightened political debate in the United States.
Rhetoric like the one at Trump’s New York rally won’t go down well in the Lehigh Valley during the former president’s rally on Tuesday.
Allentown is a majority-minority city, with more than 33,500 residents identifying as Puerto Rican in the 2020 census.
Statewide, Pennsylvania, perhaps the most coveted battleground state this election cycle, has the fourth-largest Puerto Rican population in the nation.
Sunday’s Trump rally conveyed a somber tone. Among other rhetoric, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson mocked Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ racial identity. A radio host has described former first lady and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as a “sick bastard.” A comedian makes a vulgar remark about “carving a watermelon” after seeing a black man in the audience. And a crucifix-wielding childhood friend of President Trump declared Harris the “Antichrist.”
Phil Gianficaro
/
Lehigh Valley News.com
Prophetess Darcel Smith of Living Hope Ministries in New York called on attendees to turn to God in times of political turmoil.
“The world is in trouble”
On Monday, prophetess Darcel Smith of New York’s Living Hope Ministries was among the many speakers who spoke primarily about a close relationship with God, rather than the specifics of America’s hateful political divisions. We focused on how this can be an element of unity.
“God, we need you,” Smith told the small gathering. “The world is in trouble. We are hurting. We are struggling. We are hurting. We are falling apart. We need you. ”
“When I hear things like that said at the Trump rally on Sunday, it strikes me as inhumane. They understand that we are all created equal. No.”
Prophetess Darcel Smith of Living Hope Ministries in New York
On the podium, Smith had a loud and vibrant presence.
Away from the podium, Mr. Smith became quieter, cautiously commenting on hateful rhetoric directed at serving further political interests.
“When you hear something like that said at a Trump rally on Sunday, it strikes me as inhumane,” Smith said. “They don’t understand that we are all created equal.
“If those people would take the time to look forward and not look back, that’s what we need. Looking back, I would call that stinky thinking. Masu.
“Many of our disagreements stem from a lack of communication. Those comments on the Gathering Project are hateful.”
“It’s not what it should be.”
The painting by Lisa MacDonald of Trexler Town at Monday’s event represented unity.
One in particular is towards a yellow circle dotted with religious symbols such as the Christian cross, the Star of David, the Islamic crescent and star, and the law wheel of Buddhism, Hinduism and other dharmic religions. They were arms and hands of different colors reaching towards the sky.
“I respect that people should have the freedom to say how they feel, but it’s hard to balance that with how kids will react to it.”
Olga Sanchez, pastor of Queens of Glory in Allentown
At the unifying event, spiritual leaders and community advocates guided participants through prayer, reflection, and conversation to foster mutual respect and compassion.
This event was designed as a space for healing, unity, and affirmation that peace within communities can contribute to a better world.
Sanchez said that goal is being thwarted by hateful comments spewed by political leaders.
“I respect that people should have the freedom to say how they feel,” Sanchez said. “But it’s hard to balance that with how kids will react to it. Kids have to be safe from this story.
“This kind of talk shouldn’t come from our leaders. That’s not who they should be.”
