I don’t know about you, but I have been so moved by the legacy of Selma. Watching the power of this singular moment in American history unfold through the film Selma (even the trailer will give you chills), I was moved by the story of Jimmie Lee Jackson and proud to see UU’s Rev. James Reeb and Viola Liuzzo find their place in the struggle, even when they all paid the ultimate price. I’m halfway through Rev. Dr. Mark Morrison Reed’s new Skinner House book Selma Awakening. I was inspired by the bold message shared by five of my colleagues who are Women of Color, noting how the Sankofa message of “reach back and get it” applies to today. And I find myself wondering – if it were 50 years ago, would I have answered the call to justice?

Side With Love

Today, our nation again stands on the precipice of a significant movement for racial equity that calls to Unitarian Universalists to respond as people of faith anchored in the affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person.We – five women of color who serve our Unitarian Universalist faith through the UUA – write this letter to express our hopes for the participation of Unitarian Universalists with regard to a Sankofa moment presented to us by the 50th anniversary commemoration of Selma.

For the Unitarian Universalists coming to Selma, we hope that you understand your presence as a call to solidarity with the Selma community. For Unitarian Universalists who are unable to be in Selma, our hope is that you will use Selma Sunday (March 8, 2015) as an opportunity to observe this anniversary with worship, reflection, and witness.

Feb 21 Honor Selma Sunday anywhere you live!

Feb 11 Our Sankofa Moment