Yes, truth to power! I, too, will not be watching the inauguration and as always plan to do justice work and celebrate the true meaning of King’s Day. It may be a bitter, sweet moment in history that we must confront, but we must never, ever concede to racism, sexism, or any other ism. May you all have a blessed Dr. King’s Day! Thank you, Sherrilyn.
I was really glad to read this. I had to read it twice to make sure I really got it. I wish that books like The 1619 Project and Caste were required reading in our schools, and that the truth of them was taught. I wish that more people would have the experience of living around people of a different culture, and learn to appreciate them. They are no more different than us whites are from each other (if we are real, authentic people). I am older (about to turn 80) and am beyond participating in demonstrations, and wish I knew some way to participate in the work that needs doing that is within my capabilities. What you've written here is one of the best, most thoughtful pieces I've read. Thank you for that.
This is a documentary about the Children's Crusade of 1963 that feels very appropriate to the moment to me, and the kind of dedication, commitment, and seriousness with which we need to demonstrate now, and the inspiration we need to draw, from the sacrifices made and the courage shown by the children of Birmingham in Spring 1963: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCxE6i_SzoQ. It is fitting the documentary was made by schoolchildren, for a history day project, too. It is a heavy and difficult documentary to watch, but extremely inspiring, too. I found it recently while was researching my story about this event for my Campfire Stories of Resistance & Resilience publication.
Thank you for the link! I was only 3 years old when this happened so I often cannot believe how recently America was this blatant about its racism. No doubt our current time in history will be equally shocking when someone in the future sees how racist America is today. Here's to the "moral arc of the Universe" and the great heart and wisdom of Dr. King.
I think the universe only can arc if enough of us work together to push the trajectory. You’re welcome for the link! Hopefully there will be more to see about this particular moment than just racism, there will be courage and resistance and resilience, coalition-building, soul-examination, and triumphs, too. At least, that’s what I’m looking to see / build/ explore with others who are committed to the fight, and to continuing these children’s and Dr. King’s work, and their joint dream. I have a story about this Crusade on my publication too, and other resistance / resilience stories I hope to inspire people with — to continue to resist and fight, besides.
Thank you Sherilyn! I will not be watching either! I am standing with friends and may be foes tomorrow looking for what is next. I must keep marching on.
Brilliant insights and harsh truths. The religious zealots of the Christian Right Nationalists are very much at the root of this cruelty, arrogance and selfishness that has driven this agenda for decades. Leonard Leo seized the opportunity to fuel the fires of racism, misogyny and autocracy.
Brilliant. I’m dedicating today to Eddie S Glaude Jr’s book Begin Again : James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons For Our Own. He asserts that the cancer , the big lie is White Supremacy which has never been addressed. Thank You Sherrilyn. The job ahead is clear.
I spent most of yesterday looking into the face of my newborn first grandchild. I learn from you and others, Sherrilyn, and work towards not just for her but because, as King wrote in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” I learn and work for all the children; thank you for the guidance, inspiration, and leadership along the way.
Thank you so much for your prescient comments. Rereading MLK's "Remaining Awake, Through a Great Revolution "broke through my despair and reminded me of my long-standing insights about Trump that emerged from my study of tyrants and as a daughter of Holocaust Survivors, The Author Note of my book Summons to Berlin discusses the very events we are witnessing now. I urged my readers then to bear the truths before us, yet I found myself sinking in despair for the last few days. Your insights snapped my attention to the value of truth rather than false cover had we won the election.
The seating of dignitaries at the inauguration drives home the reality we must face.
Wow! Thank you so much! You have distilled the millions of thoughts going through my head since Nov. 5th into a cogent statement of where I need to go from here.
I have so much gratitude for your presence, wisdom, fierce determination and your strong voice. Exactly what is needed in this moment.
This makes so much sense to me. The best description of where we are and what we must do that I've seen. Thank you.
Thank you for this piece. And thank you for your determination and courage to keep going forward.
Yes, truth to power! I, too, will not be watching the inauguration and as always plan to do justice work and celebrate the true meaning of King’s Day. It may be a bitter, sweet moment in history that we must confront, but we must never, ever concede to racism, sexism, or any other ism. May you all have a blessed Dr. King’s Day! Thank you, Sherrilyn.
I was really glad to read this. I had to read it twice to make sure I really got it. I wish that books like The 1619 Project and Caste were required reading in our schools, and that the truth of them was taught. I wish that more people would have the experience of living around people of a different culture, and learn to appreciate them. They are no more different than us whites are from each other (if we are real, authentic people). I am older (about to turn 80) and am beyond participating in demonstrations, and wish I knew some way to participate in the work that needs doing that is within my capabilities. What you've written here is one of the best, most thoughtful pieces I've read. Thank you for that.
This is a documentary about the Children's Crusade of 1963 that feels very appropriate to the moment to me, and the kind of dedication, commitment, and seriousness with which we need to demonstrate now, and the inspiration we need to draw, from the sacrifices made and the courage shown by the children of Birmingham in Spring 1963: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCxE6i_SzoQ. It is fitting the documentary was made by schoolchildren, for a history day project, too. It is a heavy and difficult documentary to watch, but extremely inspiring, too. I found it recently while was researching my story about this event for my Campfire Stories of Resistance & Resilience publication.
Thank you for the link! I was only 3 years old when this happened so I often cannot believe how recently America was this blatant about its racism. No doubt our current time in history will be equally shocking when someone in the future sees how racist America is today. Here's to the "moral arc of the Universe" and the great heart and wisdom of Dr. King.
I think the universe only can arc if enough of us work together to push the trajectory. You’re welcome for the link! Hopefully there will be more to see about this particular moment than just racism, there will be courage and resistance and resilience, coalition-building, soul-examination, and triumphs, too. At least, that’s what I’m looking to see / build/ explore with others who are committed to the fight, and to continuing these children’s and Dr. King’s work, and their joint dream. I have a story about this Crusade on my publication too, and other resistance / resilience stories I hope to inspire people with — to continue to resist and fight, besides.
Thank you Sherilyn! I will not be watching either! I am standing with friends and may be foes tomorrow looking for what is next. I must keep marching on.
Brilliant insights and harsh truths. The religious zealots of the Christian Right Nationalists are very much at the root of this cruelty, arrogance and selfishness that has driven this agenda for decades. Leonard Leo seized the opportunity to fuel the fires of racism, misogyny and autocracy.
Yes, forthrightness not diplomatic politeness. High time. Thank you for this brilliant and specific call to action.
Your analysis is brilliant and spot in. Sharing!
Brilliant. I’m dedicating today to Eddie S Glaude Jr’s book Begin Again : James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons For Our Own. He asserts that the cancer , the big lie is White Supremacy which has never been addressed. Thank You Sherrilyn. The job ahead is clear.
I spent most of yesterday looking into the face of my newborn first grandchild. I learn from you and others, Sherrilyn, and work towards not just for her but because, as King wrote in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” I learn and work for all the children; thank you for the guidance, inspiration, and leadership along the way.
You are spot on! Thank you for your service.
Thank you for using your powerful voice to speak out and make clear what we need to do.
Thank you so much for your prescient comments. Rereading MLK's "Remaining Awake, Through a Great Revolution "broke through my despair and reminded me of my long-standing insights about Trump that emerged from my study of tyrants and as a daughter of Holocaust Survivors, The Author Note of my book Summons to Berlin discusses the very events we are witnessing now. I urged my readers then to bear the truths before us, yet I found myself sinking in despair for the last few days. Your insights snapped my attention to the value of truth rather than false cover had we won the election.
The seating of dignitaries at the inauguration drives home the reality we must face.
Wow! Thank you so much! You have distilled the millions of thoughts going through my head since Nov. 5th into a cogent statement of where I need to go from here.