An article mentioning Margarets first public appearance as leader of the AAI

New AAI President’s First Public Appearance

By Margaret Downey, President of the Atheist Alliance International

Last month we reported on Margaret Downey’s election as president of the Atheist Alliance International (AAI). This month we are sharing her report on her first public appearance as new AAI president.

Last week I received word that the National Constitution Center (located in Philadelphia, PA) was hosting an "America Reads" program. The program boasted that every religion was going to be represented and invitees would be reading excerpts of the Constitution. I wrote and requested a spot on the agenda.

I was provided a spot too late to be recognized equally on the announced schedule. I would be there in the "...and others" category. Knowing full well that as an "other" I might become invisible, especially because the invited guests would be dressed in religious garb representing their particular religious beliefs. I knew there would be shawls, turbans, crucifixes, special dresses (as in the case of the Cardinal), habits, and robes. On Friday night I
decided that I needed to rethink what I would be wearing and came up with an idea that would express my identity in a tasteful way. By Saturday night I created a beautiful cream satin sash with black stick on lettering that said, "Atheist Alliance International." I had to abbreviate "International," but the sash was beautiful.

I wore a black dress, a cream colored satin hat, cream pearls and black heels. Folks, I have never been more proud to represent a national group. I received smiles, hugs, kisses from strangers, and many whispers in my ear "I'm an Atheist, too." I also received looks of shock, pity, and anger. I smiled throughout the entire event and made sure to go up to anyone who gave me a frown to personally introduce myself.

I will have photos available soon. In the meantime, I wanted to share my joy in representing you that day. The reading went flawlessly and I felt that I made new friends in an open and honest way.

Oh, the only negative of the day was when the program ended with the singing of "God Bless America." I politely walked to the reception room and did not participate in the singing. I later told the organizer how that particular song made me feel. I will be following up with a letter and a suggested song list for the next event.

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