Believe it or not, this is an exciting time for those of us who care about justice. The pandemic has pulled away the curtain on what many have known and been saying for years – that people are not treated fairly or equitably in this country. It is something to hear the Governor of Kentucky talk about how environmental injustice occurring over decades has led to higher asthma rates for urban African-Americans, which in turn makes them more susceptible to COVID-19.
More and more people are demanding healthcare equity and are asking why health insurance is tied to employment in this country.
The questions of mass incarceration, of cash bail practices, of jailing the poor – these are all issues brought into brighter light by the pandemic.
So, what can a person who supports justice do, even as we are continuing to socially distance as much as we are able? Last month, we shared about Electoral Justice, Gender & Sexuality Justice, and Gaps in Services. This month, we are focusing on Criminalization, Climate Justice, Disability Justice, and two online actions you might consider signing up for.
Criminalization (including racial justice and the criminalization of poverty) Freedom Fridays are moving to Friday afternoon in June. These weekly events (now lining up at 4:30pm) take place in downtown Louisville. Community members standing on Metro Hall or Hall of Justice Steps (safely social distancing and WEARING A MASK) with a sign or drive and ride bikes past the jail, the ICE office, and other government buildings downtown, honking horns and making noise to let elected officials know we’re advocating for more releases– and to let people inside the jail know they’re not alone. Read this Google document for complete details on location, logistics, and safety. The information there is very important to the health of everyone involved
Get involved in seeking justice for Breonna Taylor. Breonna was an award-winning EMT and first responder here in Louisville, who loved helping her patients and her community. She survived the frontlines of a pandemic that disproportionately kills Black people, only to have her life stolen by police.
Climate Justice (including environmental justice and climate resilience)
Pledge to be a Faith Climate Voter! Did you know many people who care deeply about the environment don’t actually vote? With this campaign, you can pledge “to put love into action for every living creature and for every vulnerable community suffering the impacts of our changing climate, from sea rise, to extreme heat, to devastating droughts, to supercharged storms.”
Did you know TJUC is a partner congregation with Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light? Their newsletter and facebook/https://twitter.com/KentuckyIPL feeds are full of information and actions you can take, large and small.
Disability Justice
Even as a bright light is being shined on many justice issues, others are rising in occurrence. Educate yourself on the impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities by watching this excellent webinar from the Women’s March on Disability Justice in the Time of Coronavirus and read this helpful Time Magazine article.
Disabled people, fat people, elders, and people with AIDS or other illnesses are being specifically targeted for denial of life-saving care during care rationing that particularly happens during the triage process. Follow the steps outlined by #NoBodyIsDisposable to take action in this issue.
And keep on social distancing! It is an act of justice!
Other Actions
Here are two other actions you might consider signing up for:
Poor People’s Campaign Assembly & Moral March on Washington
On June 20, 2020, we will RISE TOGETHER as a powerful moral fusion movement to demand the implementation of our Moral Agenda! It is time to show up against poverty, racism, militarism, ecological devastation, and our country’s distorted moral narrative!
The UUA is encouraging folks who can to give their CARES check to a local or national organization working for justice. Even if you have already donated the funds, or are giving the funds locally, go ahead and sign the pledge!
See you online, working for justice!
Blessings,
The Rev. Dawn Cooley
Justice Center Coordinator