At the September meeting, the Literature, Film, and Drama Contingent (LFDC) discussed Kindred by Octavia Butler. The time-warp-based fantasy written by the famous, but now deceased, African-American author explores the lives of the enslaved and their white oppressors in the antebellum South. The lively discussion examined the author’s method of writing, which revealed a horrible period of American history in a very human manner. During next month’s LFDC meeting, we will hold a fishbowl discussion about class.
The Social Justice Council (SJC) potluck dinner meeting had a number of informative discussions, including:
- On the UUCB’s Immigrant Sanctuary project as it relates to DACA. Those wanting to support DACA enrollees can come to the Heritage Potluck on October 29 to write postcards or go to this web site to connect with a crowd funding campaign to help prospective DACA enrollees afford the $500 fee to the federal government.
- The People of Color Caucus, a part of the “Taking Stock” project, held a dinner on August 26. Those attending shared their experiences as people of color in a majority white UU congregation and what the congregation might do to make UUCB a more welcoming place for people of color.
- Good Neighbor Nominations for the next church fiscal year are due by September 30. Application forms are online and at the church. Eligible organizations must be either UU affiliated or be a 501c3 nonprofit serving either Alameda or Contra Costa county.
After marching in the kickoff parade, SJC members staffed a table at our UUCB booth during the very warm Solano Stroll. We met many interested people and got the contact information of five people who wanted to learn more about social justice at UUCB.
With Combatants for Peace and other local organizations, the SJC will be co-sponsoring Disturbing the Peace, a documentary film about former Israeli Palestinian combatants now working for peace. The showing will include a panel and takes place on Tues. November 7, 7 pm, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave, in Berkeley.
JOIN TEAM UUCB FOR THE GRIP HARMONY WALK
Come walk with us in this year’s Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) Harmony Walk, followed by a community festival. The Harmony Walk is a chance to build community with our interfaith neighbors while raising money for GRIP, which provides shelter and resources for homeless families.
WHEN: Sat. October 28
9 am Registration begins
10 am Warm-ups and Walk/Run
11 am Festival with music and food trucks
WHERE: Nicholl Park, at MacDonald Ave and 31st Street in Richmond.
If you want to make a financial contribution (tax deductible), please make your check payable to UUCB with “GRIP Harmony Walk” on the memo line, and simply put your check in the Sunday collection basket. If you are raising money from people outside UUCB, you can have them make the checks out to GRIP Harmony Walk and bring them to the Walk with you. Turn in $100 or more on the day of the Walk and get a free 31st Harmony Walk commemorative T-shirt. (Under 18 raise $25 or more for a free T-shirt!)
For more information, visit the GRIP website at gripcommunity.org or contact Ladie Malek at ladie.malek@gmail.com or Ariel Smith at arielwest@yahoo.com
From a Silk Cocoon, a documentary film about the Japanese internment during WWII, will be shown at UUCB on Sun. November 5 at 3 pm. The film’s producer and former internee, Satsuki Ina, will be on hand to answer questions along with immigration lawyer Laura Craig and Council of American-Islamic Relations Executive Director Zahra Billoo. The film tells the story of a Japanese-American couple who struggled with their incarceration in an internment camp during WWII, and the consequences of resistance. Their story connects US history of the past to US history of the present, and into the future. Tickets required: https://silkcocoonuucb.eventbrite.com
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s “Common Read” for 2017-18 is Daring Democracy: Igniting Power, Meaning, and Connection for the America We Want, by Frances Moore Lappe and Adam Eichen. The Literature, Film & Drama Contingent of the Social Justice Council (the LFDC) will discuss the book in January.
Other Social Justice Opportunities and Information
Ceasefire Walks: Friday nights in Richmond at 7, contact maw.jane@gmail.com.
GRIP: UUCB volunteers prepare and serve lunch to hungry and homeless people at the GRIP Souper Center in Richmond on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Want to volunteer? raywest2@sbcglobal.net. To help with supper at GRIP on fourth Saturdays, contact arielwest@yahoo.com.
Read-Aloud: Volunteers needed for next school year to read aloud at local elementary schools in Richmond and San Pablo. Contact Judy Sam at jssam47@yahoo.com.
