September 8, 2026 (Mesa, Arizona) — One week from today, the Sikh Coalition will gather with the Sodhi family, the Revolutionary Love Project, and the wider Arizona sangat to commemorate the life and legacy of Balbir Singh Sodhi.
Balbir ji, aged 52 at the time of his death, was one of the first individuals murdered in the United States in a post-9/11 hate crime. He was shot and killed on September 15, 2001, while planting flowers outside his gas station in Mesa. Balbir ji’s killer had said that he was “going to go out and shoot some towel-heads” in supposed retribution for the terrorist attacks.
Every year, Balbi ji’s brother Rana Singh Sodhi, the Sodhi family, and the local Sikh community hold a vigil to honor Balbir ji’s memory. This year, the Revolutionary Love Project is working with the family to expand the programming for that vigil to include a wide range of interfaith speakers and artists. Learn more about the event on the Revolutionary Love Project’s website.
If you are located near Phoenix, Arizona, you can join the memorial in person. We will gather on September 15 at the Sodhi family’s Chevron gas station in Mesa. The Sodhi family and members of the local sangat will begin the evening with ardaas starting at 6:30 PM local time.
If you are located elsewhere in the nation but would still like to join the commemoration in honor of Balbir ji, you can register for the livestream online. Programming online is expected to start at 10 PM EST / 7 PM PST.
In 2021, the Sikh Coalition was grateful for the opportunity to co-host the 20th anniversary memorial of Balbir ji alongside the Sodhi family and the Global Sikh Alliance. This year, we are primarily supporting the Revolutionary Love Project and the Sodhi family with outreach to press and select elected officials; additionally, our Community Development Director Aasees Kaur will be among the interfaith leaders speaking at the event, delivering a ‘call to action’ to attendees.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.