Shifting Focus

"The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."
                                          ~Martin Luther King, Jr. 

 I said on Sunday that I intended to continue offering this blog as a daily break from the ongoing bad news. But I have reconsidered. I am changing course now because I cannot remain silent.

 When I started these messages nearly three months ago, I hoped that they would be an antidote to the stresses of sheltering in place. They were my effort to help others stay grounded and centered during the pandemic crisis. The crisis has not passed. But shelter in place orders have been or are being lifted now. In that sense, I have done what I set out to do. 

I was prepared to continue indefinitely, but the world has shifted again. George Floyd was handcuffed, then murdered as he pleaded for a breath. And I continue to hear Dr. King's words in my head. So I am shifting from a daily blog to a periodic one. I will use this space, as best I can, to raise my voice around racism and white privilege and to offer resources for building solidarity. 

For today, on this national day of mourning, I want to make sure that you know about tonight's RACE TALK: "Coming Together in a Time of Crisis," a virtual forum to discuss the current race crisis, facilitate affinity group break-outs, and offer resources. All ages welcome, but you must register in advance. Virtual doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the forum starts at 7:00.
Learn more about Race Talks and register for the June 4 virtual forum here: Race Talks PDX

Be careful, and be safe. Be healthy. But don't be silent. For those of us who are non-Black, there is much work to do, and each of us is needed. I'll be back soon.

 Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

 
                                                 

Comments

Kim R. said…
Well said, Nancie. Thank you for recognizing the urgency and not staying silent. All lives matter when black lives do. I pray that God will touch the hearts of everyone that reads your words. I pray that they will receive guidance to do the necessary work that each person can do to affect change in our country.
June 4, 2020 at 8:24 PM
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