Members of UUCB were privileged to be part of a protest march and “die-in” in Berkeley on Sunday, December 14, marking “Black Lives Matter” Sunday. It was a beautiful opportunity for clergy and laity alike from different faith traditions to march together in solidarity. something I have long dreamed about. It seems imperative at this crucial time that people of faith speak out with a strong moral voice.

The event was under African-American leadership, beginning with a rousing sermon at the Way Christian Center, led by Rev. Michael McBride. Rev. McBride is also the national director of the Lifelines to Healing Network of the PICO (the parent organization of CCISCO). He has been active in actions around the country beginning with the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.

Around 300 or so protesters marched from First Congregational Church in Berkeley to the Way, chanting and singing: “Hands up, Don’t shoot,” “No Justice, no Peace,” and so on. The Berkeley police kept their distance and provided an escort as we marched through city streets.

In front of the Way, we laid down in the street in a symbolic “die-in” lasting 11 minutes to mark the 11 times that Eric Garner in New York City said “I can’t breathe,” before he died after having been choked and held on the ground by several police officers.

We were joined at the die-in by students from the Black Student Union at UC Berkeley. Speakers outlined the need for systemic change to overcome persistent racial injustice in this country, and a list of demands for reform were presented.

We carry the sadness of knowing that racism persists some 50 years after the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, in which two UUs, among others, were murdered in the struggle for racial justice. And yet, we come away from powerful events such as these moved and inspired to carry on the work of those who have gone before us.

Rev. Craig Scott

I want to share what a powerful experience it was to participate today in the Black Lives Matter faith-based action in Berkeley, along with many others from UUCB, other UU’s (including Evan Junker from the UUJM-CA), and hundreds of other demonstrators from a variety of faith traditions. Many, many members of the clergy from various traditions took part.  

We were led by Pastor McBride of The Way in Berkeley, who reminded us to be disciplined in our non-violence, and that the leaders of this movement are Black men and women; others are allies. We were mindful of these points, as we marched down the middle of Channing Way, Sacramento Street, and University Ave. in Berkeley. We sang out various chants: “Hands up – don’t shoot;” “Democracy – this is what it looks like;” and “Theology – this is what it looks like;” among others.  

The police were peaceful, respectful, and helpful, blocking intersections for us. Our march culminated with a “die-in” blocking both directions of University Ave for a projected 11 minutes, to remember the 11 times Eric Garner said, “I can’t breathe” before he died.  We had 4-1/2 minutes of silence just prior to this, to remember the 4-1/2 hours that Michael Brown’s body lay in the street unattended. During the die-in, in which (I estimate) about 200-250 took part, we heard testimonials from black youth about what this action meant for them. We also heard proposed policy changes to make the streets safer for black and all citizens, as well as police. These included that all police wear body cams; and that police involved shootings be investigated by special prosecutors. It was a peaceful and respectful witness.

Perhaps others who were there will want to add their remarks and reflections.

In faith, Natalie