Santa Barbara in Black Holds Vigils
Peace Group Gathers on State Street and Calls for Allies
Santa Barbara in Black has been meeting every Friday on the corner of Anapamu and State streets for six years. November 14 was no different as the group convened in front of the Museum of Art in response to the new president-elect. “We will be here every Friday from noon to one until inauguration,” said Barbara Parmet, an organizer with the group.
The group is preparing for whatever may come as a result of Trump’s presidency. “No one knows what’s going on or what’s going to happen, but we can help each other,” said Parmet. The group of about 15, all clothed in black, held clipboards, ready to take down information from anyone willing to be an ally for the minority groups most likely to be affected: immigrants, Muslims, women, people of color, and more.
Their mission is to ask communities, “What can we do for you?” and help supply the manpower needed. “We want to channel people into resources in the community,” Parmet elaborated.
Danna English stumbled onto the group and found solace. “I am absolutely horrified that Trump was elected,” she said. “I am willing to help in any way,” she told the group as she wrote on a clipboard.
Santa Barbara in Black invites others to join them Fridays at noon. They ask, please wear black.
