Closing Reflections (2 of 2)
Today’s prompt builds on yesterday’s reflection about how the Challenge has guided you to think and act differently, perhaps more boldly, on this journey of racial equity and justice.
How will you put any of your new commitments into action, starting as soon as Monday? What kinds of supports do you need to do so? Do you have those supports or can you organize them into being, perhaps with help from others?
There is work to do on your own, but much of the change we need will happen in collaboration with others as well. We are in this together. Who are your potential accomplices at school, work, home or in your community?
Also, consider committing to an ongoing practice, a way to chronicle the year ahead through writing, drawing, music or some other expression. Choose something that will work for you so that you can continue to reflect and integrate your learning from this Challenge, find opportunities for healing if needed and also see how your dreams for the future can begin to unfold. Let your own “garden” for justice blossom and extend across boundaries!
Thank you for joining us and the thousands of others across the country taking this Challenge together!
Today, the last day of the Challenge, is a day of new beginnings for me! Celebrating Easter Day in song and word, I was filled with the joy of this glorious new day! That feeling walked with me into our church’s food forest right outside where we planted seeds… seeds of carrots and radishes; hearty seedlings of kale- red and green and collards along with starts of shallots, bunching yellow and red onions! We lovingly introduced the seeds and seedlings to their new home, soil that was a mixture of old, the grounds living history and new, with its fresh nutrients to blend and enhance its beckoning foundation already there. Sprinkles of rain were intermittently falling, dropping little welcome kisses onto the tiny leaves. It is a very good day…one of hope, humble gratitude and abundant grace! Now with a new, renewed or affirmed knowing and commitment to guide us and an increased connection among us, onto the next 344!
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Beautiful, beautiful. And as one of our dear colleagues likes to say, “Onward!”
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It has been an interesting journey hearing about the different stories of people who were oppressed or discriminated against because of their background. Before, I was unaware how racism was closely linked to environmental problems and inequality in the food system. What these stories taught me is that eliminating racism and becoming more sustainable are vital for the future of our country and countries around the world.
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At our Seder this Passover, I brought up my more broad understanding of intersectionality. As I explained the 21 day challenge, it was clear around our table that this observance of oppression and freedom can be enhanced by knowing how we and others are and are not advantaged. Thank you for your work on this deep teaching.
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