From the Coordinator
Welcome to the May issue of Justice Center News, the monthly update from the Justice Center at All Peoples.
As I write this, it just past election day I am finding some reasons for excitement and hope from these results.
As you’re reading this, we’re also a bit over a week since the mass murder in Buffalo, NY. As I’m sure you all have heard, a white younger man planned and executed this despicable assault at a Black-owned grocery store in a black part of Buffalo, killing 10 and injuring three others. In honor and respect, here are the names and ages of those who were killed and injured:
- Roberta A. Drury, 32, of Buffalo
- Margus D. Morrison, 52, of Buffalo
- Andre Mackniel, 53, of Auburn, New York
- Aaron Salter, 55, of Lockport, New York
- Geraldine Talley, 62, of Buffalo
- Celestine Chaney, 65, of Buffalo
- Heyward Patterson, 67, of Buffalo
- Katherine Massey, 72, of Buffalo
- Pearl Young, 77, of Buffalo
- Ruth Whitfield, 86, of Buffalo
- Zaire Goodman, 20, of Buffalo, was treated and released from hospital
- Jennifer Warrington, 50, of Tonawanda, New York, was treated and released from hospital
- Christopher Braden, 55, of Lackawanna, New York, had non-life-threatening injuries
This latest atrocity has left me feeling a lot of mixed emotions. I appreciate more so that I am a part of a faith community where I can sit in these feelings and not feel moved to immediately act — and one in which holds me accountable to move beyond sitting to take action.
In light of the later, two suggested actions that y’all can take right now (coming from Color of Change):
- Demand that AT&T, Comcast and Verizon immediately drop Fox news from their cable packages:
- Demand a racial equity audit from Twitch
In peace, grief, anger, and resolve…
If you have suggestions for what you’d like to see us do, questions, concerns or other feedback, please feel free to reach me at justicecenter@allpeoplesuu.com or (502)494-9044.
Changes are Coming…
At their May meeting, the Board of Trustees of All Peoples has agreed to change my position from “Coordinator” to “Director” of the Justice Center, and to increase my hours from 10 to 15 hours a week. I am very grateful to the Board for their support, and humbled by their faith in me. A portion of these additional hours will be focused on fundraising.
Another upcoming change is the focus of the Justice Center. As we move from one part of the election cycle into a next one, the Justice Coordinating Council of All Peoples (which basically acts as the Justice Center’s operating board), has requested that I shift some of my focus in the coming months to Get out the Vote efforts (focusing on Eastern Jefferson County). I will be aligning our efforts with the Louisville Urban League and defining ways that our GOTV efforts will be done in ways that support and are a part of theirs. As you all know, this is a critical election year. Jefferson county had no more than over 20% of eligible voters vote in the primary. Justice demands us to do all we can to engage more of the electorate more meaningfully in the democratic process!
We Need Your Support
Unlike other programs of All Peoples, the annual pledge drive does not support the work of the Justice Center. We are totally reliant on the generosity of donors to continue our work. Please consider making a generous donation by clicking on the button below to support our efforts. Support the Justice Center
Don’t Forget our “Swag”
You can show your support for and celebrate being part of the Justice Center! We have bumper stickers available; as well as these great looking (and oh so comfy) T-shirts. We ask for a donation of $2.50 for the bumper stickers. The T-shirts are available in long sleeve, v-neck short sleeve, or regular neck short sleeve; and in the charcoal gray, beige or royal blue.If you are interested in ordering a T-shirt contact Rus directly. The bumper stickers are available at the All Peoples Congregation.
Current Campaigns
Metro Climate Campaign
We’re making progress in our “Metro Climate Campaign.” In early April, members of the Green Sanctuary Committee met with Ms Alison Smith of the Mayor’s office to talk about our desire to put $1 million in this years Budget to begin paying for solar panels on Metro Buildings. She informed us that putting solar panels on the rooftops is considered when these buildings need new roofs. The Mayor is planning on releasing his proposed budget to Metro Council by the end of April. The Mayor is including a provision that savings incurred by current efforts in the Metro budget, be re-allocated to the office of sustainability to continue and expand these efforts.
We will be launching our next postcard campaign on May 1 — with postcards to the members of Metro Council urging them to support the this provision in the Mayor’s budget. Our version of this postcard will be available, along with more information about this campaign here.
Mobilizing to Protect Reproductive Rights
The Justice Center is continuing our work to mobilize congregations and communities (focusing on the Eastern part of Jefferson County) to defeat this ballot measure,. We’re working with the Kentucky Health Justice Network and Planned Parenthood in these efforts.
Support the Cofan Family
The Justice Center and the International Justice Committee (IJC) to working in support the Cofan People in what is now the Northeast of Ecuador and Northern Columbia. We have begun planning a trip to Ecuador in September in order to deepen our connection, and are working on a plan to help provide their access to health care, while also working to help them preserve their native lands, culture and faith practices.
Upcoming Events/Activities:
- Pride Parade and Festival (June 18)
Join the Justice Center and All Peoples Congregation at both the Pride Parade (beginning at noon) and the Festival (from noon to 10 PM) on Saturday June 18. the Justice Center is coordinating with the other UU congregations in Louisville to participate in the parade, All Peoples will have a booth at the Festival. If you are not already part of a contingent, join us for the parade (rsvp to Rus), and be sure to stop by and say hi at the Festival!
- InterFaith Paths to Peace Concert (July 10 )
The Justice Center is thrilled to co-sponsor and host at All Peoples, the annual benefit concert in support of Interfaith Paths to Peace. Local jazz musician extraordanaire, Dick Sisto will be performing. The concert will be from 4:00pm – 6:00 pm For more information, contact Jud Hendrix at Jud@paths2peace.org
- August is Support Black Business Month
The Justice Center is partnering with Highland Baptist Church and First Unitarian Church to mobilize congregations and the community in support of Black Business Month. We are encouraging our communities to shop at local Black owned businesses throughout the month of August. Hopefully, this will give many of us an opportunity to connect with Black owned businesses that we were not aware of, and perhaps consider shifting our buying patterns to these businesses long term. We are planning a kick off event on July 30. More info will be shared as we continue our planning.
Partner Events & Opportunities
From the Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Justice
- La Casita Center is bringing back their Summer Brunch Fundraisers. The next one is Sunday June 5th from 10 AM – 2 PM at 223 E Magnolia. Come eat some good food, meat some great folx, and help support an awesome organization! Go here for Tickets, or to sponsor.
- La Casita is also launching a summer camp program for kids (6 – 16). This 10-week camp will provide a full array of trauma informed activities and supports for Latinx kids. You can support this vital new program by going here.
For more information about the Justice Center and our efforts,