I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
When Isaiah preaches these words - he and the people of Israel are in exile. They are away from their homes, their land, and their God. Isaiah promises a new thing! water in the desert! Food and drink to the hungry and the thirsty!
You won't be surprised to know that not everyone believed him. They couldn't believe it even as it was happening! "Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"
Over the last year, Memorial has been doing tremendous work just below the surface on justice and reparations. A new thing indeed has been springing forth. Our justice and reparations committee has developed a policy paper on What Reparations Means and How We Are going to do it. (link: Black Paper_Hollyday Initiative_FINAL JANUARY 6 2022.docx (squarespace.com) )
They drafted a position description and screened hundreds of candidates to find the ideal person to lead this effort. We asked all of our finalists to come up with some initial steps with Memorial and Anthony's recommendations fit perfectly with who we are and who we aspire to be. I wanted to share below a few of the proposals Anthony share with the committee:
1. CULINARY DIPLOMACY: BREAKING BREAD AND BARRIERS is reminiscent of a time when families set down at the dinner table together to share a meal and talk, to reflect on their day,
create memories, discuss strategies, and even settle disagreements.
2. UPCYCLE IT 21217: In addition to positive environmental changes, upcycling has significant
social and personal benefits because behind every upcycled product is transformation.
3. THE GHOST LIGHT SERIES: When theatres go dark at the end of the night, they turn on a
“Ghost Light,” offering visibility for all to return safely. Inspired by the tradition, the Ghost Light
has a new significance and a broader symbolic meaning of hope and transformation. We will create theatrical performances led by community members to encourage collaboration.
4. CULTURE SWAP matches community members with partnering organizations to spend a day
together in each other’s community sharing insights and brainstorming ways to address social
inequities and challenges.
I am delighted to introduce Anthony Francis, the founder of Bmore's Coalition for Positive Change (link HOME | Bmore coalition (bmorescoalition.com) ) As Memorial's Justice and Reparations Organizer. Anthony started this Monday and he will be with us at Church on Sunday.
We have also raised almost $120,000 of our $500,000 goal and developed consistently stronger relationships with partners in West Baltimore. If you would like to make an additional contribution or a pledge for the next four years you can do so here: https://onrealm.org/memorialepiscopal/-/give/JRF
I hope you will be able to join us on Wednesday April 20th for a screening of Deserted a short documentary featuring Anthony that will follow with a conversation with Anthony and the Director. This will be a great way to meet Anthony and to better understand the issues around equity and safety in West Baltimore.
Welcome Anthony!