Weekend Edition: A Witness to the World

"A witness to the world." As I mentioned yesterday, that's how Kim Stafford describes himself as a poet. But we are all witnesses to the world, and this week we have seen a ghastly sight. Although this blog was designed -- and is still intended -- to be a break from the ongoing bad news, this is a time when I must make an exception. George Floyd's death demands it.

We cannot ignore what we have seen this week. But we do not need to lose heart or give up. On the contrary, this is a time for us to rise up and stand together, and to do what we can, each of us, to make justice for all a reality in our nation, and to finally begin to dismantle the systemic racism that has defined us for too long.

If you are heartsick, you are not alone. But here are some concrete ways to take action today:
  • Join Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and other organizations as interfaith and community leaders gather to speak out for justice and nonviolent protest, and to reaffirm our commitment to dismantling racism and white supremacy in our community. The gathering will be at 1:00 p.m. at Portland's North Precinct, 449 N. Emerson Street, under the covered parking garage.
  • Register for a live viewing of "The Cross and the Lynching Tree: A Requiem for Ahmaud Arbery," the May 17 sermon by the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III.  The free webinar will feature the sermon, followed by a panel discussion about dismantling racism. It's at 6 p.m. Eastern/ 3:00 p.m. Pacific. Find more information and register here: Cross and Lynching Tree
If you live in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Respond to Racism brings concerned citizens together monthly to tackle overt and systemic racism in the community. The next meeting, "COVID 19 and Racial Inequities, Part 2," is Monday, June 1, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., via Zoom. Register here: Registration

 In the Bend-LaPine area, the Restorative Justice and Equity Group has been working hard to bring restorative justice practices into schools. Among other things, it sponsors Town Halls entitled "Let's Talk About Race" to help support students of color. Learn more here: RJ&E Group

 And wherever you live, if you have not yet heard of therapist Resmaa Menakem, make today the day you learn about him: Resmaa His groundbreaking work, My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, examines the damage caused by racism in the United States through the lens of trauma affecting Black bodies, White bodies, and police bodies. Menakem's book is meant to be read and discussed with others; it's a hands-on workbook as well as a text for us all. You can also register here for a free 5-session Racialized Trauma course that is based upon Menakem's teachings:  Cultural Somatics E-Course

Today we mourn. But we can and must act, as well. And we can be the change we want to see. As witnesses to the world, we know, despite our anguish, that there is more kindness than cruelty, and more love than hate. Sometimes it's hard to remember that. For a daily reminder, visit One World Stories Thank you to Dave Reingold for sending me the article about this treasure  Good News from Around the World

Until tomorrow, be safe, stay healthy, take heart, and take action. This grief and the anger it brings can give us the energy to do what we have needed to do for so long.
Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

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