Lawrence University Memorial Chapel, 510 E College Ave, Appleton
Lawrence University and Fox Cities partners invite the wider community to join in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Margin Luither King, Jr. – the 35th annual Fox Cities commemoration.
Keynote speaker: Dr; Sam Coleman, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Oshkosh Area School District
On March 8, the Appleton Post-Crescent ran a story in its Ideas Lab section based on an interview and conversation with Rev. Joe Ellwanger who, at 93 years of age, and as the White pastor of a predominantly Black congregation in
Rev. Joe Ellwanger may best be known to members and friends of ESTHER as ESTHER's first organizer. Working at the time for the WISDOM network, which was hoping to establish a faith-based social justice organizing affiliate in the Fox Valley, Ellwanger was a frequent presence in the area, connecting with congregations and the organizing committee over several years until ESTHER was chartered in 2004. For a couple of years afterwards, Ellwanger was the lead organizer (and only staff member) of ESTHER.
May Day is often observed as A Day Without Immigrants, when communities across the country lift up immigrants’ contributions and demand dignity and justice. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and advocate for policies that protect families, expand access to essential services, and uphold human rights.
ESTHER is organizing a bus for community members and advocates to attend the May Day march at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Bus seats are limited. A suggested contribution of $10 helps cover costs if you are able.
Appleton Public Library, 200 N Oneida St, Appletone
Join the Appleton Public Library and Reach Counseling for a special screening of Sisters Rising (2020), a story of six Native American women fighting to restore personal and tribal sovereignty in the face of ongoing sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States.
Following the film, audience members will hear from a panel of representatives from Reach Counseling and the Oneida Nation.
Film Synopsis: Native American women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault than all other American women. 1 in 3 Native women report having been raped during her lifetime, and 86% of the offenses are committed by non-Native men. These perpetrators exploit gaps in tribal jurisdictional authority and target Native women as ‘safe victims.’
ESTHER is deeply concerned by last week’s incident involving the use of force by an Appleton Police Department officer. Many community members have expressed hurt, fear, anger, and concern after viewing the video, particularly regarding the treatment of a young Black woman. We believe those concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
We believe our community has the right to ask difficult questions about the use of force, de-escalation practices, training, accountability, and transparency. We are especially seeking clarity around how this response was determined to be justified and what policies and procedures guided the officer’s actions.
ESTHER does not support police brutality or unnecessary force in our community. At the same time, we believe meaningful accountability requires examining the broader systems, training, policies, and culture that shape policing practices.
We have reached out to APD leadership requesting conversation and greater understanding around current use-of-force and de-escalation policies and practices. Real public safety depends on transparency, accountability, and a commitment to protecting the dignity and humanity of every person in our community.
Lawrence University and Fox Cities partners invite the wider community to join in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Margin Luither King, Jr. – the 35th annual Fox Cities commemoration.
Make plans now to participate in this multi-church immigration training event.
On March 8, the Appleton Post-Crescent ran a story in its Ideas Lab section based on an interview and conversation with Rev. Joe Ellwanger who, at 93 years of age, and as the White pastor of a predominantly Black congregation in 
May Day is often observed as A Day Without Immigrants, when communities across the country lift up immigrants’ contributions and demand dignity and justice. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and advocate for policies that protect families, expand access to essential services, and uphold human rights.
Join the Appleton Public Library and Reach Counseling for a special screening of 
