Inspired by the Women’s March, a group of 6 women in Brunswick, Ga. banded together and decided to fight for the issues which have been under attack by the current administration. That small group of women, has now become 300 strong and grows daily. We are finding our voice in our sisterhood, and as our voice gets louder, I hope we can give a new meaning to the words “the south will rise again” where it will be followed by...”AND IT WILL BE WITH MY SISTERS AND ME STANDING ARM AND ARM AGAINST HATE, RACISM AND BIGOTRY.”
I know we will not use that phrase, but now, when I think of it or hear it, I think those words are just the beginning of a different sentence. One where my sisters are joined together to find solutions to the problems we face. Where we are growing stronger every week. Where we are Determined. Where we “Persist”, we “Resist” and we “Reclaim our Time” to move forward not backwards.
Yesterday, we had three events. The first was our regular monthly meeting where we focus on the issues that our particular area faces with reports from our action groups: Enviromental, Women’s Health, Education, Voting and LGBTQ.
After that, we had a special meeting in response to the violence of racism in Charlottesville. Our Sisters of Color were asked to speak freely about the racism they face, how they experience the effects of white privilege, and what their white Sisters can actually DO to make it change. One thing we all know, is that lip service is cute and sweet, but, it doesn’t solve anything. White women (and men) need to show up where we are needed and stand side by side with all our sisters (and brothers) to support changes to stop the systematic racism, we have ignored too long. The racism that creates a circle of poverty that is just as evil as slavery.
First, we have to LISTEN and then we have to SHOW UP at Education board meetings and local Commission meetings and demand that our Local, State and Federal Representatives represent all of our citizen’s not just the rich ones. Then, we have to work hard to find, support and elect new Representatives. We , in the first district need to work hard on that. We also need to volunteer to help where help is needed. Whether it’s to help build a house for Habitat for Humanity or to read to pre-schoolers at the Library. We have to be involved in every area of our community. We have to fight poverty every way we can. None of us want our country to be the way it is now. We want it better for ALL our children. We know it isn’t easy but we have to keep searching for the right answers. We could have talked for hours. It was just good to hear people speak about the issue. Unfortunately, we had to end our meeting too soon, but we are resolved to make it ongoing and part of every meeting.
Our third event yesterday, was a Candle Light Vigil to stand against racism and bigotry. This too, was inspired as a response to the poison taken to Charlottesville and then dispersed back into our country. Those groups were not from Charlottesville and they did not remain in Charlottesville. They are here among us and we must be aware of their existence, now more than ever, as they have been embolden by the idiot that currently misleads our country.
Last night, on short notice through facebook, 200 people showed up in 90 degree heat and humidity with lit candles to listen and pray and sing in a church parking lot. Our speakers included our local female Rabbi, holding the torah, and leading us in a Jewish tune. We also had, male Protestant Clergy, black and white, who spoke of the sadness of segregation on Sunday morning and the happiness of coming together on this Sunday evening. Both, quoted the “Love thy neighbor” Bible verses and led us in prayers of hope, acceptance and unity. Our female Reverend of the Unitarian Universalist Church, who hosted the event, had us singing “This Little Light of Mine.” We also had representatives of the NAACP, and the County Commission, as well as Glynn Dems, Indivisibles and the Women’s Voices. 200 people who came together to stand for the change we must fight to accomplish. In the words of our much missed former President “We are the change we seek.”
We ended the evening with a dedication to do what we have to do to make our community better for ALL of us. Nothing is easy, but if we can WORK TOGETHER with open dialogue, so that we are aware of what people are facing and what action we need to take to help, then we will make things better. Maybe not perfect, but at least on a path towards it. We are getting stronger and I am encouraged. We won’t let anyone take us back to the good old days. They aren’t old and they weren’t good.
200 people became friends last night. They will go back into their groups, knowing there are more groups, that will come if called.
Greatness, it is not behind us, but perhaps, if we work hard, we can find it moving forward. Peace.