New Year, New Beginnings
Welcome 2021! We were all looking forward to turning the page on 2020. What a year it has been! No one could have anticipated what was to be in store for all of us; not just in this country, but worldwide. 2021 seems to be offering its own share of challenges… and now new opportunities. I believe we will rise to face those challenges, as well as move forward with the new opportunities presented to us; especially in terms of coming together. I am excited to be living in a time where we get to define and create those possibilities. Possibilities that can take us down paths that lead to love, peace, equity, understanding and compassion towards one another. We simply need to choose…then act accordingly.
WSU needs you!!! We’re creating a new video in February and would love for YOU to be a part of it! We’re working on the details now, but can tell you that it will be uplifting, fun, and engaging. The focus will be to promote the “Power of Love” or “Love Power.” Isn’t it time! Want to learn more??? Send us a note with “Love Power” in the message, and we’ll add you to our list. https://westandundivided.com/contact-us/
If you watched the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, you were undoubtedly stirred by the speech by the youngest inaugural Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb.” Click here to see her speech in its entirety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whZqA0z61jY. If you’d like to support her and her amazing work, click here to order her inaugural poem, available in April 2021. https://amzn.to/3o9THcq
Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each year on the third Monday of January we observe Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and reflect on the work that still needs to be done for racial equality. King was an influential civil rights leader and much more – best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. His life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day.
Did you also know that King’s legacy, to a large extent, was intentionally made weak? That his thought and mission was continually evolving? That he had become international in his commentary? Many historians feel that this is why he was assassinated. As Marc Lamont Hill put it, King was “A Black radical anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, revolutionary Christian who was murdered as an enemy of the State.”
King’s contributions and speeches go far beyond his “I Have a Dream” speech. We Stand Undivided will highlight his lesser known legacy in this month’s “Movie of the Month,” in order for us to gain a more comprehensive view and appreciation of this giant. See below for more details.
What I’m Reading…
Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love and Liberation. “Igniting a long-overdue dialogue about how the legacy of racial injustice and white supremacy plays out in society at large and Buddhist communities in particular, this urgent call to action outlines a new dharma that takes into account the ways that racism and privilege prevent our collective awakening. The [African-American] authors traveled around the country to spark an open conversation that brings together the Black prophetic tradition and the wisdom of the Dharma. Bridging the world of spirit and activism, they urge a compassionate response to the systemic, state-sanctioned violence and oppression that has persisted against black people since the slave era. With national attention focused on the recent killings of unarmed black citizens and the response of the Black-centered liberation groups such as Black Lives Matter, Radical Dharma demonstrates how social transformation and personal, spiritual liberation must be articulated and inextricably linked.”
This book was given to me by a dear friend who thought with my yoga teacher background and founding of WSU, I would appreciate. In fact, I am really enjoying reading this book which is full of insights and knowledge bringing our society’s racial challenges into full view, but also providing a path forward for radical healing as well. Dharma, as defined by the authors, means “universal Truth.” “Our healing cannot wait until the structures acquiesce, are dismantled, or come undone.”
Interested in reading this book? Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3nQmPoQ
Upcoming events…
Join WSU for our upcoming “Movies That MOVE Me,” Sunday, January 31st at 6:00 p.m. (eastern time). The last Sunday of each month we’ll watch a movie that will educate, inspire and move us. This month, in commemoration of MLK Day, we’ll gain more clarity into who the real Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was by learning more about this giant, his evolution from a civil rights to human rights leader, a reexamination of his life and a review of the significance of his legacy. How he was evolving in his thought and mission. How he had become international in his commentary which led many historians to believe was the impetus behind his assassination.
As usual, we’ll watch the video, then have a brief discussion.
Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tcOqgrTMsH9bM004NUXZHe7uofKjQhQbd
Zoom Meeting ID: 890 7383 8652
WSU is continuing its support of the Chesterfield Food Bank. There is a tremendous shortage of food for many, many families in our communities. I’ve seen these long car lines that stretch over a mile! Some people get ‘in line’ up to 6 hours before distribution begins because they can’t afford to be in the back of the line when food has run out; because they are in desperate need to feed their families. Please consider donating food, money or volunteering your time to help these families in need.
Love Reigns Here. No Room for Hate.
Take a stand with this beautiful bumper sticker, for love is a force more powerful than hate! Red heart with black background and white lettering.
Vinyl Sticker, Gloss Coating, 3” x 7”
