Honoring Renee Good: Reflections from attending the Jenkintown Community Prayer Vigil
- robertal1939
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
The challenge in supporting the most vulnerable among us, while channeling our grief and fear over the cruelty and loss, of these trouble times, has never been greater. For me, attending the Jenkintown Prayer Vigil for Renee Nicole Good, held on January 10th, provided space for shared grief and tools for moving forward.
Keeping Renee's Memory Alive
Renee Good’s story is a powerful example of the human cost behind ICE’s actions. Renee was a parent, a daughter, a wife and community member. Her community is lifting up her memory, supporting each other in their grief and calling for accountability. Our service included the reading of Becca Good's statement on Minnesota Public Radio on Friday, Jan. 9. She began by thanking the people who reached out to her and her family not just from the United States, but all over the world. If you haven't read her statement yet, I urge you to do so now. By sharing Becca's words, we help keep Renee Nicole Good's memory alive.
I would estimate between 75 to 100 people gathered in Jenkintown on the rainy Friday afternoon that was January 7th. The rain seemed fitting somehow. We all agreed it was not a deterrent to our presence, but an affirmation of our collective grief. It is estimated that 10,000 people took to the streets in Minneapolis on Friday to demand justice for Renee. Keep this number, 10,000 in mind. It appears again at the end of this post. It may be a while before national numbers are available.
Our service included the reading of Becca Good's statement on Minnesota Public Radio on Friday, Jan. 9. She began by thanking the people who reached out to her and her family not just from the United States, but all over the world. If you have not yet heard her statement I urge you to take the time to read her words now. If each one of you reading this blog takes the time to share Becca's words with someone you know, we are all participating in keeping Renee Nicole Good's memory alive.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem
According to date from the Gun Violence Archive "Since July, 2025, when the first shooting occurred under the current administration, immigration agents have killed four people and injured seven more."
On January 10th, prayer vigils all over the county were held to honor Renee Good's memory and to highlight the importance of using our voices to shine a light on injustice.
The Impact on Communities
The consequences of ICE killings and abductions ripple through communities. Families lose loved ones without closure. Children grow up without parents. Fear and mistrust of law enforcement increase, making it harder for people to seek help or report crimes.
Community members often feel powerless, unsure how to respond or where to turn. This silence allows abuses to continue unchecked. Renee Good’s story shows how breaking that silence can empower others and build collective strength.
Supporting Residents in Montgomery County
Speakers at the prayer vigil in Jenkintown included Senator Art Haywood, State Representative Napoleon Nelson and State Representative Ben Sanchez (pictured speaking above), as well as members of the Jenkintown Indivisible Chapter, Montco Watch and Woori Center. They shared their work and ways to get involved. These include:
Join the Interfaith Prayer Vigil, to stop ICE Raids. Held Every Morning @11:00 am outside ICE Field Office, N. 8th Street & Cherry St.
On January 19th, 202 be a part of the interfaith effort to stand vigil against these indiscriminate raids. Meet at 11:00 am at the Philadelphia Immigration Court at 9th Street and Market St. Philadelphia, PA We will march from the Phila. Immigration Courthouse to the Phila. ICE Field Office. This MLK Day, stand up for #Dignity4All
Join The Welcome 62 Campaign Make Montco Safe for Immigrants Policy Campaign.
Support legal aid organizations that help families navigate the system.
Engage with local representatives to demand transparency and accountability
The Role of Advocacy and Policy Change
Tell Governor Shapiro to End PA Cooperation with ICE
Call: 717-787-2500
Text: 717-788-8990
Email: Danafritz@pa.gov
Sample Message: "I want Governor Shapiro to end State cooperation with ICE. That means, no data sharing with ICE, end collaboration between the state prisons and probation with ICE, never lease a state facility to ICE, and protect private information in public benefit programs from federal overreach. Let's do our part to keep our neighbors safe."
Final Reflections on my participation in the Jenkintown Prayer Vigil for Renee Nicole Good on January 10th, 2026
In response to the figure of 10,000 patriots needed for the US to reach the. 3.5% rule, Robert Hubbell wrote in his January 12th "Todays Edition Newsletter:
" Our goal should be much more ambitious—“the 30% Rule —or 100 million Americans taking to the streets, boycotting the economy, and economically targeting businesses that serve as underwriters to Trump’s assault on the Constitution. (Looking at you, Big Oil and Tech Bros.)"
If we could achieve 30% of the American populace taking to the streets in protests, Trump’s illegal behavior would stop in an instant—not because he cares, but because his enablers would be more afraid of us than of him."
Think about that last statement: If we could achieve 30% of the American populace taking to the streets in protests, Trump’s illegal behavior would stop in an instant—not because he cares, but because his enablers would be more afraid of us than of him."
The last statement resonated with me: Our voice can be more powerful than the dollar to those prioritizing profit over human rights, dignity, and our Constitution. We must peacefully engage, regularly contact legislators, and share art and stories highlighting our communities' pain and resilience.
Please comment below to share details of a rally you plan to attend or invite a friend to join you.
Roberta Brooks
Steering Committee Member
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