Category: Racism

Happy 4th of July?

I have always loved celebrating the 4th of July. The parades, the fireworks and barbeques. But this year I am conflicted. I am PROUD to be an American, yet, I have never been more disappointed in my country.
What happened to the principles of freedom that we were founded on? We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Now you don’t have to tell me these were written by white men about landed white men. But for most of my life I have felt we were moving to true freedom. Civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQI rights – all moving forward. But now we seemed to have stopped in our tracks and are now moving backward. WHY?
William Faulkner​ wrote – “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”
 
4th of July 2

 

It’s because we took our eyes off the prize – that prize of freedom for all!  All of us who were activists have not been working hard enough to keep that forward movement. We stopped to rest on our laurels and look what happened. It’s seems as though now it’s OK to be racist or homophobic and for some reason we can separate families who are seeking freedom.

So perhaps today we should celebrate our freedom (?) by making it a goal to work to make sure everyone is free. To work toward true equality and freedom. Here are a couple of suggestions about things we can do TODAY.

Help get out the vote – http://www.rochestervoteralliance.org/

Fight Homophobia – http://www.gayalliance.org/

Fight Racism  – http://standagainstracism.org/

Protect a woman’s right to choose: https://www.plannedparenthood.org

Help with local refugees – https://www.rochesterrefugeenetwork.org/rrrs/

Perhaps if we use this 4th of July to practice freedom, next year we will have more to celebrate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than you are capable of living.”   Nelson Mandela

I love to tell stories – about myself, my friends, my experiences and I have always tried to live my life fully. My passions are traveling, my family, my friends, music, gardening, learning new things and sharing my opinions! So this is what this blog will be about.

Megan and Harry

Today I woke up early to see the wedding of Megan Markel and Prince Harry. Who can resist a Royal Wedding – pomp and circumstance, beautiful gowns, the dresses, the uniforms fascinating. But this one was really special – an American – no an African American woman marrying into the British Royal family. Of course the gown was lovely and she looked beautiful, but I loved the way she brought her home country into the ceremony. First Bishop Michael Curry bringing his passionate homily about love – quoting Dr. Martin Luther King and then the amazing gospel choir singing “Stand By Me”. Just a fabulous morning. Highlighting differences but the same basic wedding service that takes place around the world everyday joining two people who love each other.

I like to look at this and think look how far we have come.  But the reality is that racism is still alive and well. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS. We must continue to fight against racism in all its forms. Speak up and speak out against racism, fight against hate and we must unite in peace.  As Dr. King said “We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world. Love is the only way.” No one should settle for a life where love is not at the center.