September 1, 2004

Darrell Lambert & Michael Newdow to Headline Annual Freethought Day Event

Sacramento will be celebrating its 3rd Annual Freethought Day on Sunday, October 10, 2004 in Waterfront Park, Old Sacramento, Front and L Streets. The event is FREE and will run from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

This year the theme is "Dare to Think for Yourself!" Speaking at the event will be former Eagle Scout Darrell Lambert, who will tell the story of his departure from the Boy Scouts of America. Darrell's dilemma made national news two years ago when he refused to sacrifice his principles and bow to the BSA's demand that he profess a belief in a god. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster at the time he was "kicked out" of the organization.

Michael Newdow, the featured entertainer, will play guitar and showcase his singing/songwriting talents. Dr. Newdow is more familiar to most of us as the parent who challenged the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and ended up taking his challenge all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Also appearing will be local musical talents Roberta Chevrette and James Israel. Freethought poetry readings, skits, and a magician will appear over the course of the event. Exhibits include a gallery of historical freethinkers and a children's critical thinking activity station.

Freethought Day commemorates the anniversary of the date in 1692 when the colonial governor of Massachusetts declared that spectral evidence would no longer be admissible in court, effectively ending the Salem Witch Trials. His was the first declaration requiring that evidence admitted in court be restricted to the real world.

The Humanist Association of the Greater Sacramento Area and Atheists and Other Freethinkers are co-producing the event and welcome all to attend and learn more about freethought and the freethought community.

Contact person: Beverly Church, Event Chair 916-359-5423