On October 23, 2016, our church stood together to celebrate the placing of a Black Lives Matter sign on our property. We felt strongly that we wanted to show our support and compassion for this movement with a permanent sign, and invite our community to consider issues of racial justice and equity.
When we use the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” no one is making the claim that other lives do not matter. This claim is a bold one because so often the lives of black women and men are devalued. We are seeking to state what so often our systems and culture do not.
On December 6th, 2017, this sign was vandalized. The intruder used spray paint to cover the word “black,” repeating what has so often been the experience of people of color in the United States: their experiences were and are erased.
When the sign was vandalized, local news stations picked up the story, and before long the comments began to pour in. Many such comments highlighted the need for ongoing community dialogue about racial justice and equity.
The sign has been cleaned but will need partial replacement when the weather warms. Beyond that, we want to use this opportunity to educate and foster dialogue. If you share this goal, and would like to help with our ministry, we would welcome your support. Every gift is important. Thank you.
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