The Beacon: Dove Mountain Shines the Light

Every Thursday evening from 6:00-6:30, a grassroots group of Democracy advocates gathers on the corner of Tangerine Road and Dove Mountain Boulevard, hoisting signs, protesting, mingling and gratefully accepting honks from passing cars.   

Some are longtime friends and neighbors and some are new to the area.  All ages are represented.  And their numbers are growing.  Overheard were these comments: “Last week there were 25, this week, 37.”  “There are people here I’ve never seen before.”  And they keep coming!  Among this group is a family raising a trans child.  Another woman is worried about her son-in-law, an engineer here on a green card.  

This nationwide movement called “The Beacon: Shine the Light” was started on Jan. 20, 2025 in New York City by Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.  It is a half hour event on Thursdays to promote “Compassionate Democracy.”   

The goodwill, kindness and friendliness of the Dove Mountain group is palpable.  No one refused to comment.  No one refused a photo.  No wonder it is so popular…. and growing.  Anyone can start a similar event in their own area. There is no official affiliation and no bureaucracy.  No one person is THE leader.  Everyone is a leader.  This is “We The People,”  grassroots Democracy at its best.