San Francisco activist Cleve Jones has been involved in many milestones of the gay rights movement in America. But one of his most beautiful ideas is the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a community arts project whose panels memorialize the lives of more than 80,000 Americans who have died from AIDS-related causes.
The quilt is currently on display at the Cathedral of Hope, and now Jones will reunite with it this weekend when he makes a trio of appearances promoting peace and justice.
Jones visited Dallas in the ’80s and ’90s while working on the quilt, but this is his first time at the Cathedral of Hope.
"I've been aware of the great work they were doing in social justice for many years," Jones says. "This is the first time it has worked out for me to be a part of it."
On Saturday, October 5, he'll give a talk from 1 to 2:30 pm at the Interfaith Peace Chapel on the Cathedral of Hope campus. Called "No bull(horn) conversation with Cleve," his session will discuss strategies to fight oppression and discrimination, as well as what inspired him to become involved in social justice issues.
From 5 to 7 pm, he'll be guest of honor at a reception at the chapel.
All of this leads up to "Peace & Justice Sunday" on October 6, when Jones speak at worship services at 9 and 11 am. "I'm interested in the struggles of working people, of immigrants and of gay, lesbian and transgender people," he says. "It's all part of a larger fight for peace and social justice."
The AIDS Memorial Quilt will remain on display at the Cathedral of Hope until October 13.
Cleve Jones has been part of the fight for gay rights since the 1970s.
