This past weekend the men of the Washington DC participated in what is growing to be a regular tradition amongst the diverse community of the Washington DC Baha'is - a Men's Fishfry. This event has grown partly out of the DC Black Men's gathering - and like that event is a place where the local community members come together to share fellowship and talk about their struggles and victories.
While the equality of men and woman and the unity of all people are key teachings of the Baha'i Faith, the idea of a Men's Fishfry came out of the realization that it's sometimes harder for men to engage in true and authentic spiritual communication. In speaking of the vision behind the event, Mr Carroll Coley, one of it's key organizers, had this to say:
We get together to become more familiar with each other, to develop stronger bonds between us, to have fun together, and to further develop our spiritual nature (and oh yeah, to enjoy Ralph's cooking!) The more we are united as a community the more we will attract those souls who are searching for the healing message of the Baha'i Faith.
The Ralph mentioned above is Mr. Ralph Brawner - the founder of the event and it's chef-in-residence. Ralph was too modest to offer his comments here. He lets his food do the talking. The last Fishfry had a menu of (ahem) fried fish, corn bread, string beans and mac-n-cheese - all cooked with a great deal of talent and affection. Ralph refuses to let anyone help with expenses - he offers the fishfry as a way to bring the community together and strenghten the bonds of unity. Thanks to Ralph, Carroll, Tod and all the others involved! Check out the photos after the jump. And if you are interested in the Men's Fishfry - use the 'contact us' form to get involved.
"Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest." - Baha'ullah
Photography by Evan Wilder & Sean Gallagher