It has been another week of up and down news. The killing of yet another unarmed black man in Atlanta reignited a response that had more heated energy than the continuing demonstrations as cities, states and federal elected officials made or moved toward police reform. How can this still be happening? What can we do to stop it? These are important questions that need everyone’s attention. I have been trying to understand how I, as a white woman, can be a positive force in this effort. One thing I have read and taken to heart is the importance to listen. Although my feelings around this issue are valid, I am not directly effected due to my skin color. I believe it is important that I raise my voice in support of Black Lives Matter, but it is equally important that I not focus on how I feel but on how those who are effected feel. Yes, I want to acknowledge my horror, sadness and anger but use that to listen to the voices of those whose anguish I will never know.
*On Thurs 6/18, 7:00-8:30pm there will be a virtual dialogue, “Facing Opposing Forces”, with elders in the movement (including Loretta Ross) sharing their experiences. Register at:
*There will also be a virtual “Mass Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March” on 6/20, 6/21. Search this title to find info to register.
On June 16, the Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ workers cannot be fired on that basis as they have equal protection under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act barring discrimination on the basis of sex. A major decision in favor of equality!! I was surprised that the majority opinion was written by Neil Gorsuch. What?! Gives me hope.
Juneteenth, aka Jubilee Day, is this Friday celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the declaration freeing slaves was enacted in 1862, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865 when the Union Army arrived in Galveston TX, that slaves learned of the law. Celebrations now occur across the country along with a growing call for the date to become a National Holiday.
News in my hood is about the same. As the days have gotten warmer, I am watching my garden grow vs doing much work. In my mature years, I have become less heat tolerant. 
But I still love being outside and seeing the fruits of my labor. Well, hopefully I will see “fruit” as the season continues. Otherwise, we have spent safe time with 2 sets of friends who have been isolating. It was nice to have a conversation in person vs over zoom. I believe we can have more contact with others IF we use good sense and follow proper safety protocols. Areas that have opened and been more in line with CDC guidelines have seen fewer new cases vs those areas that have allowed looser restrictions. On my trips to the grocery store, more people are wearing masks than not. I wear a mask and gloves and have wipes in the car when I return. Some may think it’s overkill but I’d rather use overkill than get sick. Just saying.
- Thanks to Robert Stewart for keeping us updated on the new ramp.
- Thanks to Patton White for his facilitating the Sunday service.
- Thanks to Edith Covington and Bill Read for keeping the office running.
- Thanks to Jan Lister for the well done monthly newsletters.
I hope all of you are well and continuing to find ways to stay safe and entertained. I miss you. If you haven’t joined the zoom group after the Sunday service, please do. It’s nice to see faces and catch up even if it must be virtually.
Stay safe and be kind.
Hugs, Marsha
