The Elgin Police Department will partner with the Gail Borden Library and Elgin Community College to host a screening of Walking in Oak Creek, a documentary that tells the story of a community working together to overcome tragedy after six worshipers at a Sikh temple are killed by a white supremacist. Waking in Oak Creek will screen at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin on Sunday, September 27th at 2:00 p.m. The screening will be followed by a conversation about the inspiring community response that followed and how law enforcement and community members worked together to overcome tragedy and create a safe town for all. The event is free and open to the public.
Conversation and light refreshments will be with Chief Edwards of the Oak Creek Police Department, Commander Ana Lalley of the Elgin Police Department, Reverend John Halbert of St. James AME Church, along with Elgin Community College Associate Professor of Human Services Dr. David Carrillo, and Instructor of History/Political Science Antonio Ramirez.
Additional support and resource sharing will be provided by the Elgin Police Department, Elgin City of Peace, Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Elgin, Elgin Community College, ECC M.A.G.I.C. , and the Gail Borden Public Library.
About the Film
As the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Wisconsin prepares for Sunday prayers, a deadly hate attack shatters their lives, but not their resilience. After six worshipers are killed by a white supremacist, the local community finds inspiration in the Sikh tradition of forgiveness and faith. Lieutenant Murphy, shot 15 times in the attack, joins the mayor and police chief as they forge new bonds with the Sikh community. Young temple members, still grieving, emerge as leaders in the quest to end the violence. In the year following the tragedy, thousands gather for vigils and community events to honor the victims and seek connection. Together, a community rocked by hate is awakened and transformed by the Sikh spirit of relentless optimism.