Prepare New York began as a coalition of New York based interfaith organizations, including Auburn Seminary, who joined together to promote healing and reconciliation in anticipation of the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Together we created Ribbons of Hope -- an interactive, community-created art project designed to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks by inviting people of all backgrounds, religions, ages and races to tie a ribbon inscribed with a message of hope and healing for New York City.

Photos were taken by Angela Jimenez © 2011.

Just a short walk from Ground Zero, 12 tall mesh panels were installed alongside the Gardens of Remembrance in Battery Park. All day Friday, Saturday and Sunday New Yorkers and visitors alike brought ribbons and tied them to the panels assisting in the creation of a multi-colored, multi-cultural, tapestry of prayers, wishes, dreams, memories, and celebrations.

Coverage of Ribbons of Hope by NY1

For those who couldn't make it to New York City, we collected Ribbon of Hope messages on the Groundswell website and created ribbons to hang on the tapestry.

On the day of September 11th, 2011, Prepare New York’s action and congregational partners organized their own commemorative events. Participants in these events were also invited to state their wishes and prayers on ribbons that were be provided to them, and a representative brought these expressions to the tapestry. Together these events allow for much needed public expressions of hope and healing.

On Monday morning, September 12th, 2011, prominent religious leaders of different faiths dedicated the panels and move them to a location where they remain on display. A lasting community-created prayer of hope for the future.

The panels in total held up to 50,000 ribbons. Congregations, groups and organizations planned events for their members to create ribbons. Individuals, families, groups and organizations gathered ribbons in neighborhood settings, in clubs and congregations and designated messengers, who came to come to lower Manhattan and affixed the ribbons to the tapestry. People of all ages participated. There was no fixed size or shape or width or length. The diversity of ribbons received was a large part of the point.

Learn more about the continuing work of Prepare New York at www.prepareny.com.