HIB sending the silent message
On the corner of Meridian and McCray, the cadence of a big city
marched through the streets. With horns blaring and commotion
filling the intersection, people were bellowing support from their
car windows, serving up the always unforgettable peace sign with a
smile, laying on their horns as they passed through the streets,
while others just gave a simple thumbs down.
HIB sending the silent message
On the corner of Meridian and McCray, the cadence of a big city marched through the streets. With horns blaring and commotion filling the intersection, people were bellowing support from their car windows, serving up the always unforgettable peace sign with a smile, laying on their horns as they passed through the streets, while others just gave a simple thumbs down.
It was a mixed review of feelings from drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. But it doesn’t keep the men and women of Hollister in Black from their regular Friday vigil.
“In the beginning it’s was mostly obscenities,” said Susan Swanson, who has been with the non-violent action group for half a decade. “Now it’s a lot of friendly honks and waves. It’s taken five years.”
Women in Black was started in Israel 20 years ago by women protesting Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. At the vigils, women carried place cards saying, “End the Occupation” and wore black, in mourning for all the innocent lives lost to war. The vigils were predictable: same site, regular intervals. Although they were not particularly silent in most Israeli locations, they have become in most countries since.
They were seen by and brought about reactions from many passersby on foot and in vehicles, some of who heckled and abused them. Their policy was not to shout back but to maintain lull and decency.
The Women in Black of San Benito County began their vigil in April of 2002, later changing their name to Hollister in Black, welcoming men to join. For five years, the men and women of HIB have been silently allowing everyone to join them in their crusade, with a honk of the horn, wave of the hand and hoots and hollers. At 76 years young, Mary Zanger stands out on the sidewalk of Meridian and McCray, bustling back and forth with her hand held high, waving continuously and a smile from one ear to the other.
“We hope for peace worldwide,” she said.
