There’s been lots of love for Megadaddy Bishop Eddie Long since a sex scandal engulfed him – except for that anti-gay protest last weekend – but now a Lithonia activist wants to hold a vigil for his alleged victims.
Here’s the rundown: Four young men — Jamal Parris, 23, Anthony Flagg, 21, and Maurice Murray Robinson, 20, and Spencer LeGrande, 22 — sued Long over allegations that the head of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church coerced them into sex. Long responded by saying he’s under attack and later, that the allegations are false. Some anti-gay preachers came to town to call for Long’s head.
Now, Tuan N’Gai — a civil rights activist, author and founder of Silence Equals Consent – is hosting an interfaith prayer vigil for the four men on Nov. 13 at the Willie A. Watkins Special Events Center in Lithonia.
Over the past few weeks, several young people have ended their lives after being ostracized by the community, and four young men have spoken out against the abuse they allegedly endured at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. There are many more who feel hopeless so they are being silent. This is a call to action for the church and the community. We need to pray, and put our words into action so healing can begin.
Speakers scheduled to appear include Rev. Kevin E. Taylor of the Unity Fellowship Church in New Brunswick, N.J.; Sheila O’Bannon, author of “The Prodigal” stage play; and activist and educator Cleo Manago. The event begins at 12 p.m.