Advocacy for strict separation of church and state without exceptions for holidays, currency, symbolism, or blessings was a key focus of his leadership.
Kenneth Bronstein, a dedicated atheist activist, was passionate about organizing and mobilizing fellow atheists in New York City. He founded NYC Atheists in 2000, aiming to advocate for the separation of church and state and challenge any special privileges granted to religion. Despite the challenges of uniting individuals with diverse beliefs within the atheist community, Bronstein remained steadfast in his mission.
Sadly, the initial meetings of NYC Atheists were small and characterized by internal disagreements. Bronstein humorously compared the experience to herding cats or organizing anarchists. He recognized the diversity within the atheist community, including freethinkers, secular humanists, and anti-theists, which sometimes led to fractures and debates among members.
Bronstein’s dedication to promoting atheist values and principles remained unwavering. He believed in the importance of advocating for secularism and challenging religious influence in public life. Despite the lack of holidays or traditional celebrations for atheists, he was committed to building a strong community of nonbelievers in New York City.
Tragically, Kenneth Bronstein passed away at the age of 85 in October, leaving behind a legacy of activism and advocacy for atheism. His partner, Elinor Fine, cited complications from leukemia as the cause of his death. As a retired IBM engineer, Bronstein brought his organizational skills and passion for activism to NYC Atheists, revitalizing the group and turning it into a thriving movement.
Under Bronstein’s leadership, NYC Atheists engaged in various activities, including filing lawsuits, organizing events, and hosting book club meetings. Despite his self-deprecating description of these gatherings as “intellectual masturbation,” Bronstein valued the intellectual discussions and exchanges of ideas among members.
In conclusion, Kenneth Bronstein’s legacy as a dedicated atheist activist and organizer lives on through NYC Atheists. His commitment to promoting secular values, advocating for the separation of church and state, and building a strong atheist community in New York City has left a lasting impact on the movement. Though he may not have believed in an afterlife, his contributions to atheist activism will be remembered and celebrated by fellow nonbelievers for years to come.
Source: The NY Times
