For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kate Uesugi, kuesugi@americanhumanist.org, 202-238-9088 (ext. 105)
(Washington, DC, December 16, 2021) – This Saturday, December 18th, the American Humanist Association (AHA) will join other secular organizations in sponsoring and attending the 2021 HumanLight Virtual Celebration. This year marks the 20th anniversary of HumanLight, and will include members of the New Jersey Humanist Network who helped create the holiday in 2001.
HumanLight is a non-religious, end-of-year holiday that celebrates humanism’s positive nontheist vision of reason, compassion, and hope. It’s a time of reflection on the past year in preparation for the year ahead. On December 18th, humanists across the country will come together to celebrate through candle lightings, music, beautiful decorations, discussions, and more.
“In my 20 years of helping promote awareness of HumanLight, it’s been wonderful to see how countless others have dedicated so much volunteer time to creating a festive celebration each year for their family and/or community,” said Patrick Colucci, member of New Jersey Humanist Network. “I’m always especially happy when people ‘discover’ it every year.”
Artist, activist, and director of Black Nonbelievers DC, Rogiérs, will be the Master of Ceremonies and will provide a jazz-style rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine. Young authors Bailey and Elle Harris will lead the traditional HumanLight candle lighting ceremony and digital artist Emily Wilson will share creative HumanLight decorations. Freethought Society Co-Founder Margaret Downey will read Dally Messenger’s On the Meaning of HumanLight and Dr. Victoria Noquez will perform some HumanLight magic. Stay after the program for socializing and discussion on art, community service, humanist philosophy, environmentalism, and more.
“We are delighted to be sponsors and organizers of this secular holiday, that highlights positive humanist values. It’s important to remember that, as humanists, we can decide for ourselves what traditions we want to follow, or create anew,” comments Nadya Dutchin, AHA Executive Director. “This holiday is an opportunity to celebrate and express the humanity-based secular values we believe in. It also serves as an opportunity to further build the humanist community and we are so excited to do that this upcoming weekend.”
This event is free and open to all. More information and a link to attend can be found here.
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The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.