Cool air and rainy days did nothing to dampen the spirits of dozens of Kossacks and friends gathered in Asheville this weekend. It's my privilege to bring a few photos and reflections back to the community. It will take days if not weeks for my brain to process it all, so this is but a snippet of the experience!
More below the orange clouds...
We arrived Friday morning at DawnN's house near the church, already abuzz with Kossacks. I can't thank Dawn enough for her hospitality ... after 2.5 hours on the road, her hot coffee and munchies were the nectar of the gods! As I tucked into a comfy chair loving life, the door opened and in walked Denise Oliver Velez.
She is even more delightful in person than in writing, and it was like meeting an old friend as we all exchanged hugs. Ten minutes later the door opened again. This time it was OPOL and his son, and the same thing happened. Wow.
We all headed over to St. James AME Church, where a fish fry was in full swing and we were welcomed by church and community members. Even more Kossacks were there, including peregrine kate, asterkitty, Chris Reeves, MsSpentYouth and TexDem, and many others. It was hard to recognize each other and a little overwhelming! There was even this one guy who looked just like kos.
From there we headed to the sanctuary. As the pews filled ahead of Rev. Barber's arrival, the energy was palpable. I am an atheist, but there was something much bigger than I moving in that space, and I felt very much at home. After a warm welcome from the pastor, Rev. Brent LaPrince Edwards, gospel singer and activist Yara Allen spoke of the slaves using song to communicate messages to each other before leading a full house in singing the freedom song, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round"
This is the second time I've seen Rev. Barber speak. It's almost impossible to describe the power of his voice and his message. From my seat:
9/25/15
Video of Rev. Barber, h/t to Chris Reeves, who did an amazing job keeping the AV technology humming all weekend!
Afterwards, we walked to the YMI Cultural Center for the Americans Who Tell The Truth exhibit. It will be in Asheville until November 7, and I encourage anyone who is able to see it (additional dates and locations at the link above).
Robert Shetterly’s Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits and narratives highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness. By combining art and other media, AWTT offers resources to inspire a new generation of engaged Americans who will act for the common good, our communities, and the Earth.
I should have taken more pictures ... Here is Rev. Barber's portrait, unveiled Sept. 19, 2015.
From AWTT exhibit, Asheville, NC
Already inspired, I could have spent hours with the portraits and stories of so many Americans whose voices changed the course of history for the better. Sadly, time and hunger had their way and we moved along in search of sustenance. Over tacos and Margaritas, I took a look around and was awestruck.
I was never supposed to be a progressive, let alone an activist. Raised both Catholic and Evangelical in a Reagan-worshipping family, my affinity for hippies was quashed early in life. I came of age in the 80's and was an anti-abortion Republican until my early 20's. Only as I watched Bush 41's bombs drop live on CNN did something snap ... I voted for that fucker, and he called himself pro-life. What did that even mean? I switched to D, threw my support to Bill Clinton, and the rest is history.
Fast forward, look around. I'm not just a Democrat. I'm sitting next to kos eating a taco, like its the most natural thing in the world. Around the table are some of the best, brightest, most learned activists and writers in progressive politics. If I didn't do much talking this weekend, it's because the best an introverted latecomer can do in the presence of so many great thoughts is to listen.
We haven't even gotten to Saturday's program yet. Suffice it to say it was phenomenal from start to finish. Here's kos kicking it off.
My only regret of the weekend is not getting to meet so many of you personally, and not having enough time with those I was honored to meet. Many thanks to randallt for organizing the event and fundraising auction for St. James Church, DocDawg for helping bring Rev. Barber to Asheville, Kossacks and staffers who traveled far and wide to connect with North Carolina. Ain't nobody gonna turn us around.
My friend pajoly also wrote an excellent diary about the weekend here. I look forward to others' perspectives and pictures!
Edit 9/27/15, 19:17 EDT: corrected closing date for the Americans Who Tell The Truth exhibit, h/t to roonie