On Monday, August 5, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, visited Oak Creek’s Sikh Temple. This visit marked the 12^th anniversary of the day when a white supremacist took the lives of seven members of the Sikh community, leaving an indelible mark on Oak Creek and beyond.

During her visit, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield joined the families of the victims, community members, and temple leaders to honor those who were lost. After touring the gurdwara and attending a prayer service, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield participated in a roundtable discussion with Pardeep Singh Kaleka, whose father was among the 2012 shooting victims; James Santelle, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and social justice advocate; and Oak Creek Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz. They discussed how the response to the August 5, 2012, tragedy has advanced civil rights for Sikhs and other marginalized communities.

A central theme of their conversation was the power of education in transforming communities and fostering resilience. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, whose role often focuses on international issues, underscored the importance of domestic education. She explained, "Part of the reason I'm here in Milwaukee, and I do domestic travel, despite the fact that my job is more international, is about education. It's about educating communities . . . about the importance of the United Nations and how we work to promote U.S. values and to promote your interests in the United Nations." Her commitment to education also aligns with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of "education for all."

Kaleka offered his own reflection on the meaning of education within the Sikh community. He said, "I think when we think about the word Sikh, Sikh means learner. And a gurdwara is a door to the teacher, which means a school for learning. And this person, 12 years ago, came here with the intention of hate. And we came to this country with the intention of love. And I think that what we were tasked with at that time was, what are we going to teach the world? What are we going to leave?"

Their shared commitment to education underscores its role as a cornerstone for both personal and communal growth. While Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield focuses on promoting global education through international platforms like the United Nations, Kaleka emphasizes the role of the Sikh community as educators in their own right—teaching the world about love, resilience, and the power of positive intent.

“There’s a wonderful phrase that I’ve learned, as part of the education we’ve talked about. It’s called chardi kala, which translates to eternal optimism,” noted Santelle. “In the wake of this tragic thing that happened here twelve years ago, this community came together, and looked to the future.”

Oak Creek has shown remarkable unity, exemplified by the annual CAFE: A Celebration of Culture event, inspired by Mayor Bukiewicz. This year’s is event, scheduled for September 20 in Drexel Town Square. CAFE celebrates the importance of cultural understanding and community engagement. "What we're really trying to promote is that, yes, we all do have differences, but we have more similarities than differences. We're all human beings. We all love. We all hurt the same. And we must have a better understanding of each other," Mayor Bukiewicz explained. His words echoed the event’s broader theme of unity, highlighting the need for communities to come together, not just in moments of tragedy but as an ongoing commitment to understanding and supporting one another. 

The tragedy of August 5, 2012, remains a somber memory for the Sikh and Oak Creek communities. However, the hope and resilience that emerged from that day continue to guide efforts toward healing and inclusivity. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed her admiration for the community’s growth and achievements since then, stating, "What happened to you 12 years ago can never be forgotten, but you cannot let it hold you back from doing what you need to do."

UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield surrounded by the women of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and other community members, including Oak Creek City Clerk Catherine Roeske (far left), and Carolyn Bukiewicz, Oak Creek's First Lady (second from the left). 

Do you want to learn more about Sikhism?  The Oak Creek Public Library hosts a featured collection of books about the Sikh faith and traditions on the second floor in the adult non-fiction section!