Program Guest Speaker May 15th

On May 15th, our guest speakers were Barbara Miller and Adilene Calderone of Friendship Diversion Services.  This was the second of our program events related to understanding incarceration and alternatives in Whatcom County.  Judy Kasper, Claire Lending, Murray Bennett, Mike Betz, Stephanie Sarver and Rupert Ayton attended in person, while David Curley, Naomi Gary, Alan Friedlob, Hank Ohana, Kathryn Allen, and Barbara Gilday attended on Zoom.

Friendship Diversion Services is a Washington nonprofit that works with some court systems within the state to provide jail and sentencing alternatives.  Attendees learned details and applications of pre-trial and post-trial electronic GPS monitoring processes designed to allow individuals to stay out of jail and live with activity restrictions that allow some degree of normality while also protecting victims or alleged victims of crimes.  One important aspect of the monitoring system attendees learned about was how it could be used to monitor restraining orders.

Attendees learned how the GPS system works and how it is monitored, as well as how cases are handled.  Attendees also learned how the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) ankle monitor is deployed and monitored.

Attendees learned a little of the economics of monitoring systems and the conflict between the level of hands-on service provided by FDS as compared to the lack thereof with county and municipal agencies.  

Attendees also heard about the original diversion services provided by FDS that helps individuals have their convictions vacated after they have successfully completed the program.  This hands-on program enables individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to society.  Unfortunately, it seems Whatcom County is not interested exploring this important approach to solving the shortcomings of the criminal justice system, a point that engaged some attendees in a discussion of how to change that lack of interest and perhaps make that a project for BLM

More information on FDS may be found here: https://www.friendshipdiversion.org/about-us/

Minutes of May 8th BUF BLM Business Meeting

BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team

Minutes of May 8, 2023, 7pm

In attendance: David Curley, Mike Betz, Claire Lending, Murray Bennett, Rupert Ayton

1. We lit a chalice and gave a land acknowledgement

2. ARAOMC moments and a summer BLM service

a. with the potential upcoming vote on a new jail, we decided we would try to reorient our work to focus on educating the congregation on incarceration in Whatcom County, with the ARAOMC moments as one vehicle

b. we decided we would put together a service (Aug 13 is the date offered) and will try to bring in a variety of voices and perspectives; David has volunteered to get this started

3. Canceling 4th Monday standing meeting

a. we agreed to cancel the 4th Monday standing meeting as it gets poor attendance and unfortunately not everyone seems to want to discuss the prior week’s guest speaker

4. SEJC/Beloved Community/BLM overlap and integration discussion

a. We discussed Beloved Community and decided we would try a bottom up approach to reorganizing and coming up with a vision for 2023; Murray will check to see if this is being taken up elsewhere at BUF

b. We discussed what SEJC does and where or how BLM may intersect with it

5. Projects

a. Speaker Series

i. We discussed Friendship Diversion Services set for May 15th and questions for them; also discussed doing a better job of getting the word out to the congregation

ii. We discussed Kendi, and Rupert will reach out; we also discussed reaching out to Walt for his POV

iii. Overall, for the short term, we would like to reorient our guest speaker selection to the topic of incarceration; a judge would be great

b. Education

i. We discussed coordination with Genia and our interest in educating the congregation on incarceration

6. Planned Events

a. May 25 George Floyd/Juneteenth video event

i. Will need volunteers to distribute flyers

 

Program Guest Speaker April 24, 2023

On April 24th, Malora Christensen, Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ Response Systems Division Manager, was our guest speaker and gave 11 of us in attendance on Zoom an informative overview of the County’s GRACE, LEAD, and ART programs.

Malora is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in Whatcom County for the past 13 years.   Over the years, Malora has worked in the areas of farm worker rights, permanent supportive housing, diversion programs, behavioral health and overall system improvement for our most vulnerable community members.  Bufsters know Malora from her time working with Community to Community.

According to the County website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/4179/GRACE-Program, the Ground-Level Response and Coordinated Engagement (GRACE) program is a community-based effort to find solutions for individuals who are high utilizers of emergency and criminal justice systems. The aim is to offer intensive, coordinated services to these “familiar faces” whose needs span beyond any single agency.

According to the County website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3933/LEAD-Program, LEAD (known nationally as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion is a community-based effort to find solutions for individuals who are high utilizers of criminal justice systems. The aim is to lead people out of the criminal justice system and into intensive case management where those who are dealing with behavioral health challenges can have their needs met appropriately.

According to the County website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3934/ART-Program, the Alternative Response Team (ART) is an innovative program that benefits people having mental or behavioral health challenges, and it will also benefit our police personnel, allowing them to respond to other emergent calls requiring law enforcement intervention. Launched in January 2023, this Bellingham program sends a behavioral health specialist and a public health nurse to respond to specific non-violent behavioral health 911 calls.

In addition to discussing the above programs, Malora also provided us with insights on the issues associated with the Whatcom County jail and trauma-informed design, of which there are 3 facilities in the U.S., including the one visited by the County in Tennessee this year.

Malora emphasized the need for the public to lobby elected officials to move off old paradigms and seek the advice and input of subject-matter experts when it comes to rethinking emergency and police response policies and practices.

ARAOMC Beloved Community Moment of April 9, 2023

 Good morning.  I am Rupert Ayton. My beloved community message today is about resurrection.  But not the joy of spring, or Jesus, or the Buddha.  And not the horror of Jefferson Davis’s risen South, even though today is the 158th anniversary of Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox and this past week we saw Jim Crow rising again in Tennessee.

Instead, I’ll examine with you an insidious serpent of institutional oppression that has recently resurrected its ugly self.  I am referring to bank failures.  And the failure of banking to serve society inclusively, equally, and without discrimination.

This was not always the case.

Our banking system is barely 110 years old.  It was fixed in 1933 with the Glass-Steagall act.  That distinguished commercial banking, saving and loans, and building and loans.  Banking was local. It set fixed terms for deposit and loan products for each.  It established deposit insurance to build confidence against bank failures.  It created examination and oversight.  It kept Wall Street, capitalism’s henchmen, at bay.  But that all changed with Jimmy Carter and deregulation in 1980, and subsequent bouts of deregulation that one could argue has led to a series of banking crises over the last 50 years.

Deregulation started because capitalism insinuated itself into banking.  It made it all about money, not people.  It made it complicated.  Capitalism drove a wedge of oppression into banking.

I won’t bore you with the details, but think about this:  the story of failed Silicon Valley Bancshares is both comical and criminal.  It reads like buffoonery, but don’t let that fool you as we have seen and still see what buffoonery hides: oppression.

As reported in the press, it seems the Silicon Valley Bank CEO, a darling of Wall Street, was so convinced of his genius in discovering how to make money in banking that he believed himself a venture capitalist instead of a banker.  He argued against regulation.  He ignored regulatory oversight.  He ignored his own risk models that forecast disaster. He even cashed in his risk insurance policy.  Notice it was a “he.”

And it appears his underlings and board went along with him.  As did Wall Street.

We’ve seen this before, and what irks me is that we still let this happen.  And we are perpetuating inequitable service in the name of greed.  Silicon Valley Bank was providing deposits to the wealthy and making loans to the wealthy.  And in doing so creating more wealth for the wealthy.  All backed by our tax dollars.  Meanwhile, we have banking deserts, and we continue to have discriminatory banking practices.  The rich get richer, the poor and oppressed get poorer.

The bottom line for most banking today is that clients have to fit a box.  There is not a lot of room in that box for people of color or people living outside of the social norm or below the poverty line.  And regulations intended to deal with that problem function like a software programmer who does not understand user needs.  The result does not do what we want.

If you asked me for a social institution analogy to banking, I’d say health insurance.  Like we need a single payer system for healthcare, I think for banking we need something similar.

I am complicit in this problem, because I used to work in banking and I use one of those banks for the wealthy, even though I am not wealthy.  I am now motivated to work solely with a credit union.  It is the most equitable option I can find.  I am looking at how credit unions in the deep South are working to provide banking services and loans to excluded communities.

Thank you.

Program Guest Speaker March 20, 2023

Our BUF BLM guest speaker was Blaine Chief of Police Donnell “Tank” Tanksley.  He is currently a candidate for Whatcom County Sheriff.

Tank worked with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from 1993 to 2014, the last seven of which he served as commander. He moved to Bellingham to become assistant chief of police at Western Washington University from 2014 to 2017 and then chief of police at Portland State University before joining Blaine in 2019. He’s a 22-year veteran in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

Tank discussed his background, what got him into policing, and into military service.  He explain why he wanted to be Sheriff.  He gave examples of the tough issues he's handled in law enforcement; the PSU shooting was one.  He discussed the county jail and would like to see it built on the current parking lot.

He described how he will keep the department staffed and trained, and how policing the unincorporated areas of the County may or may not differ from policing an incorporated area or campus. He talked about 

citizen oversight of law enforcement, including measures passed by the state that change how officers conduct themselves.  He discussed his personal view on firearms.  He described his sense of being a "peace" officer, and steps the County could take to take the burden off law enforcement, and divert people out of the criminal justice system where it makes sense.

MInutes of April 10th BUF BLM Business Meeting

 BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team

Minutes

April 10th, 2023, 7pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96292952504

Meeting ID: 962 9295 2504

Passcode: BUF

Attending: David Curley, Naomi Gary, Claire Lending, Murray Bennett, Mel Hoover, Rupert Ayton, Pam Graham, Mike Betz

1. Communication Subcommittee

a. David suggested a subcommittee for communication

i. David, Ellie and Rupert volunteered

b. Rupert gave a demo of Slack

c. The group discussed MailChimp and agreed to take a look at it

d. Group discussed need to have tools for internal communication and external communication

2. Kitchen Rules

a. The group discussed the kitchen rules and the requirement of a food handler certificate.  Naomi has one.  So does Sean Foster.

3. Projects

a. Speaker Series

i. Malora Christensen April 17.  Mel raised the question of event conflict with the jail conversation schedule at the same time

ii. No response from Kendi.  Pam will follow up.

iii. Speaker Honorariums

1. Malora works for County so no honorarium

2. Shu-Ling wants hers to go to Whatcom CRE—Rupert following up with Kayla at County

3. Rupert checking with Kathy to make sure all other honorariums have been sent.

b. Voting Rights

i. Need a plan.  Claire will look into. David will check with Jane Freudenberg

4. Planned Events

a. Rupert hosting Tank on April 15, 4pm

i. Invitation open to all

b. May 25 George Floyd/Juneteenth video event notes

i. Naomi gave an update

Minutes of March 13, 2023 BUF BLM Business Meeting

 BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team

Minutes March 13th, 2023, 7pm

 

In Attendance: Pam Graham, Naomi Gary, David Curley, Rupert Ayton, Murray Bennett, Claire Lending, Michael Betz, Stephanie Sarver, Mel Hoover, and Rose Edington

 

1.     Land acknowledgement provided by Pam Graham

 

2.     Upcoming speakers

a.     Mar 20 Donnell Tanksley

 

3.     Speaker Honorariums

a.     in process with Kathy Wahto

 

4.     I am the Hope and the Dream Juneteenth video part 2

a.     Remy Styrk is raising funds; video will feature Isaac, Jason, and Sislena; has extra footage from first video

b.     Can BUF plan a fundraiser event in May? Maybe combine with George Floyd Memorial on 5/25??

 

5.     March 11^th Black History Month Celebration Debrief

Naomi to start a Thank You card for Sean!!

 

6.     Planning March 18 retreat

New concept…not a retreat but a 10am-12noon planning session at BUF

Work on Protocols (Naomi and Pam)

Use the Johari Window framework to understand conscious and unconscious bias that can help increase self-awareness and our understanding of others (Pam to facilitate)

 

7.     Okanagan Charter

a.     Could we make this the focus of the Mar 27 program meeting?

 

8.     Follow up on possible guest speakers starting in April:

a.     Jeremy Wang, counselor at WWU—Rupert in conversation

b.     Willie Broxton Jr., relationship manager at WECU—Rupert in conversation

c.      DeeDee Davis, homelessness advocate—who wants to contact?

d.     Sislena Ledbetter (WWU ED for Counseling, Health, and Wellness)—Rupert in conversation

e.      Katryne Potts WWU police chief—who wants to contact?

f.      Chuck Parsons, Community Co-op GM—has not yet responded to Rupert

g.     Keith Montoya—Whatcom CARE—does David want to follow up?

h.     Dr James Ray WWU music—has not responded to Rupert

i.       Dr Richard Hodges WWU music—has not responded to Rupert

j.      Deanna Lane D/E/I consultant—discussed with Rupert but has some scheduling conflicts

k.     TeeJay Morris (NWYS, Juneteenth Coordinator, Bellingham Unity Committee)—no invitation yet

l.       Flo Simon (former Interim COB Police Chief)—keep on list?

m.   Debra Lekanoff (WA State Rep)—who wants to contact?

n.     WWU Black Student Union representative—Naomi to contact

o.     Gabe Epperson of Whatcom Land Trust—who will contact?

p.     Daman Wandke—consultant, disability expert—who wants to contact?

q.     Clyde Ford (Author)—spoke with Mel and Rupert but seemed reluctant and suggested multicultural roundtable discussion

Program Guest Speaker February 27th, 2023

On February 27th, thirteen members of the BUF BLM Action Ministry team welcomed Jason McGill as our guest speaker.  Jason is the ED of Northwest Youth Services, and hails from West Virginia.  As part of our Widening the Circle effort, Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley and Restorative Community Coalition president Joy Gilfilen also joined the Zoom call.

Jason shared programming at NWYS, including the acquisition of a house in Ridgemont that will accommodate young adults.  Last year, over 400 homeless young people were first time participants in NWYS programs.  In all, Jason estimates there are over 1200 homeless youth in the area.

The conversation turned to the question of how the current justice system is not serving society.  Jason related the story of Portugal, which has invested considerably in preventative and rehabilitative services that reduce crime and keep individuals out of jail.  In comparison, the challenge of local reactionary policing was discussed, along with the incarceration system and continued argument over building a new jail for Whatcom County rather than investing in prevention.

Jason described his concept of Beloved Community following the teaching of Dr. King.  He also discussed allyship and promotes Dr. Cornell West’s concept of a Love Warrior.

Program Guest Speaker February 20th, 2023

On February 20th, the BUF BLM Action Ministry team welcomed Matthew Durkee as our guest speaker.  Matt identifies as transnational/transracial as he was born in Korea and adopted by a white family in Bellingham at the age of 5.  Matt is veteran and currently serves as the Director of the Veterans Resource Center at Edmonds College.

Matt shared his experience growing up and going to high school in Bellingham where he regularly faced racism, oppression and violence.  Matt was clear that Bellingham is diverse, but that only insiders see that diversity.  He also pointed out that those new to Bellingham, and those who are not insiders to Bellingham’s diversity, don’t necessarily understand the needs of the oppressed, and need to listen and not act like “saviors.”

Matt refers to the U.S. as a “salad bowl” as each individual’s uniqueness contributes to the overall “flavor” of the nation.  Matt shared that his military experience and exposure to strong leadership instilled in him a sense of creating “hand-ups” rather than “hand-outs” for the less-fortunate.  He believes in a national service model and he is a proponent of “peace officers” rather than police officers. Matt also has a strong interest in truth in education.

Minutes of BUF BLM Business Meeting December 12, 2022

 BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team

Minutes for December 12, 2022, 7pm

In Attendance: Rupert Ayton, Stephanie Sarver, Pam Graham, Mike Betz, David Curley, and Naomi Gary (providing the minutes)

1. Land acknowledgement 

https://www.lhaqtemish.org/xwlemi-resilience/lhaqtemish-land-acknowledgement

2. David discussed the follow up to James Addington Tragic Investment book group. He worked with Genia Allen-Schmidt. Ideas include…. create a historical record of BUF’s ARAOMC work. Reparations including BUF paying rent to the Lummi Nation. David also brought up news that the BUF Climate Action Team is reforming. Todd Jones to get the word out by January 2023. 

3. Mel to discuss RCC collaboration in January

4. Planning a retreat in March 2023…Rupert to send out an email re interest.

5. Donnell “TANK” Tanksley campaign for Sheriff…let’s invite him to speak to BLM. Learn more.

6. Possible guest speakers:

Rupert to contact theese potential guest speakers...

Dr James Ray WWU music

Dr Richard Hodges WWU music

Deanna Lane D/E/I consultant

Naomi to contact these potential guest speakers…

Damani Johnson (retired WWU professor)

WWU Black Student Union representative

Brian Womack

Additional ideas for guest speakers...

Clyde Ford (Author)

Jason McGill (at NWYS)

TeeJay Morris (NWYS, Juneteenth Coordinator, Bellingham Unity Committee)

Flo Simon (former Interim COB Police Chief)

Debra Lekanoff (WA State Rep)

Sislena Ledbetter (WWU ED for Counseling, Health, and Wellness)

Gabe Everson

Daman Wandke

7. Rupert to send out an email to let people know how to participate in MLK Activities

Identified MLK day 1/16/23 activities such as…

 WCC organized by Whatcom Human Resource Task Force (regular annual event)

TeeJay’s Masquerade Ball at the Yacht Club on Saturday 1/14/23

8. Planned for May 25th Floyd Memorial Bench

Naomi to contact Kristina Michele Martens for ideas and suggestions…maybe Opera in the Park? With Dr. Ray and Dr. Hodges from WWU Music??

9. Identify Juneteenth activities…need to work on this

10. Racial Equity Commission Update…reach out to Elie/David to f/u

11. Coordination with CBC on AR/AO/MC speakers and schedule

12. Community Actions and Projects…ongoing!

a. We have noted that Bellingham lacks a documented Black history and plaques memorializing locations of notable events

i. Rupert found resources at the library and at the local Cemetery

13. Pam Graham mentioned that other faiths are active in our community, and we should make sure we are in coordination with them. She mentioned Baha’i and Sikh. Naomi has been in contact with Marilyn Freal at the Presbyterian Church.

Minutes of February 9, 2023 Business Meeting

 BUF Black Lives Matter Ministry Action Team

Minutes for January 9, 7pm

In Attendance: Rupert Ayton, Stephanie Sarver, Mike Betz, David Curley, Mel Hoover, Murray Bennet, Claire Lending, and Naomi Gary

1. Rupert gave a brief land acknowledgement 

2. The group discussed the MLK celebration planned for the 16th in the Sanctuary.  Rupert, David, Mel and Rose will volunteer to help with set-up, greeting, and take-down

3. David further discussed the follow up to James Addington Tragic Investment book group

a. BUF needs to make its history visible

i. Start with recent accomplishments

1. Mailee and Genia to help

2. Create a poster

ii. Organize a working group to research long term history

b. Check out https://www.sociocracyforall.org/sociocracy/ for rethinking governance; David will attend one of their sessions

c. Space for events.  Look for intersectional opportunities to host at BUF.  MLK event is a good example.

i. David and Naomi will attend SEJC meeting on Jan 22

d. Reparations.  Consider paying a reparation rent to the Lummi as part of a restorative justice action.  King County is paying the Duwamish.

4. Article 2.  The group discussed the status of revisions to Article 2 and the need to have input.  Stephanie provided an insight from a conversation with Lou Phinney.  Murray will follow up with the Board and Lou to understand the process and how BLM may participate.

5. Deb Cruz is trying to reform the Environmental Justice team.  That is an intersectional opportunity for BLM.

6. Mel gave a detailed overview to possible RCC collaboration.  It is a compassionate community building opportunity.  The group discussed breaking down the opportunity into bite-sized chunks with a beginning and end that could engage more participants. The work needs to be framed as a positive story.  Details are in the attachment.

7. Planning a retreat in March 2023.  No response to the BLM subscriber email.  Perhaps the retreat could spend some time on discussing RCC.

8. BLM needs to know the open spot dates for AR/AO/MC moments and then recruit speakers.  Rupert spoke with Jeff Copeland and there is no technology problem for playing remotely recorded AR/AO/MC moments, playing video or audio clips, or using slides.

We ran out of time for discussing other agenda items.

AR Moment of August 7th on Black Incarceration and Political Prisoners

Hi, I am Rupert Ayton. 

I’d like to recognize that today falls between the 77th anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

And let me recognize that last week we lost two African American role models in Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols.  Both were originals.

This past week we also lost an archetype of Black political imprisonment. Albert Woodfox was the last surviving member of the Angola 3, Louisiana inmates falsely convicted of killing prison guards in the early 1970s. He served 44 years in solitary confinement before being exonerated.

As Hank mentioned last week, many consider the level of imprisonment of Black men in America institutional racism.  And many consider it political. Let me share a complex story with you.

On August 7th, 1970, 17-year-old Jonathan Jackson walked into the Marin County courtroom where San Quentin inmate James McClain was on trial for murdering a prison guard.

Jackson was armed, and his goal was to spring 3 inmates and take hostages to exchange for his brother and 2 others, who were incarcerated at San Quentin on murder charges.  But that day Jackson died in a hail of police bullets in a van outside the courthouse, along with McClain, inmate William Christmas, and Judge Harold Haley.  The other hostages, and inmate Ruchell Cinque Magee, survived.

My 66-year-old self is still stunned that a 17-year-old, or anyone, would try this.  But as I think back to the influences in my Leave it to Beaver life, I see that a big part of what I was being fed as a boy was the lore of heroic efforts for freedom against all odds. Davy Crockett.

Perhaps that’s what Jonathan Jackson was attempting. A heroic effort to free Black political prisoners against all odds.

I don’t condone gun violence in aid of freedom.  But it seems to me White America does when it is violence against some other.  And that other includes Black men.

The story of August 7th started a year earlier at Soledad State Prison, where the superintendent was accused of fomenting racial violence. There was a riot, and his accuser and two other Black inmates were shot dead by a White guard.  Days later an all-White grand jury exonerated the guard for the killings, although many years later the State of California would settle wrongful death suits.

The Soledad violence escalated with the alleged payback deaths of White guards and a White inmate.  3 Black inmates, the Soledad Brothers, were charged with murder and transferred to San Quentin.  One was George Jackson, Jonathan’s older brother.  Like others in this story, he was a political activist and writer, and his work targeted the institutional racism of the prison system.

A year and ten days after Jonathan Jackson died, his brother George Jackson was killed by San Quentin guards in what has alternatively been described as a murderous riot or prison break.  But the evidence points to George Jackson possibly being set up and the violence a cover.

The remaining two Soledad Brothers were acquitted of the murder charge.

The infamous riots at Attica followed 3 weeks later.  Prison problems were making headlines.

And high-profile activist Angela Davis was accused of supplying the guns to Jonathan Jackson, and charged with murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy.  She was put on the FBI’s top ten most wanted list and declared armed and dangerous.

Fearing for her life, Davis hid. After a nationwide manhunt, she was arrested in Florida.  President Richard Nixon congratulated the FBI on capturing a quote “dangerous terrorist.”

Looking back, Davis recalled realizing that it wasn’t about her.  It was about sending a message to discourage the public from getting involved in the Black freedom struggle. 

That didn’t work.  The prison riots, the high-profile Davis trial, and subsequent high-profile inmate trials generated an outpouring of liberal protests and public condemnation.  Davis, who remains actively outspoken, was acquitted of all charges, as were most of the inmates on trial during that period.

However, Magee, who survived August 7th, is still in prison and considered by some the longest serving political prisoner in America.  He will be 85 if he lives to his next parole hearing.

I wonder where all that public condemnation is today.

Program Guest Speaker July 25th Report

On July 25th, the BUF BLM Action Ministry team welcomed Shovia Muchirawehondo as our guest speaker.  Originally from Georgia, Shovia earned her Master’s from Western and recently organized the BIPOC celebration at the Depot in June.

Shovia provided our audience of 13 with an unvarnished perspective on racism in Bellingham, emphasizing that if Bellingham wanted to end racism, the solution needed to start with White on White conversations as racism is a White problem.

Shovia highlighted two economic concerns: one is that the current system of “affordable” housing is racist as it relegates most housing to less desirable land, and in desirable neighborhoods, it is not really affordable for Blacks who have been discriminated against when it comes to intergenerational wealth-building.  The second concern is lack of affirmative hiring of Blacks in professional positions and how White hiring managers still hire White candidates. The issue extends to lack of support for Black entrepreneurs, who are not given the tools to navigate government programs and banking.

The conversation switched to the fragmentation of Bellingham’s Black community and the need for a BIPOC community center. The group discussed how such a space would work and where, with Local Group Studio as an example.

Minutes of July 11 business meeting

 Attendees: Naomi Gary, David Curley, Pam Graham, Rupert Ayton, Stephanie Sarver, Joseph McCarty, Claire Lending, Murray Bennett

1. George Floyd Memorial

a. Meeting with CoB Parks and Rec on July 26 at Fouts Park

b. Changing theme of bench to BLM memorial

c. Need to keep fundraising; we have a thank you letter

2. Brian Womack meeting 7/12

a. Discuss community space at 1211 Cornwall

3. Brave Space Practice Adoption Discussion 7/18

Read these two articles to understand what a ‘Brave Space’ is and how we may use it for our 3rd Monday speaker sessions:

a. https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/2019/12/19/safe-spaces-brave-spaces-and-why-we-gon-be-alright

b. https://artscorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Brave-Space-Agreeements.pdf

c. Beloved community ground rules

4. Anti-Racism Moments

• Naomi 7/17 covenant of beloved community and invitation to give an AR moment

• Hank 7/31

• Need volunteers for August 7, 14, and 21

5. Program Meeting Speakers

a. Connect with Genia and Adult Education

7/25 Shovia Muchirawehondo

8/22 Shu-Ling Zhao

Potential Speakers for 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19

♣ Clyde Ford (Author)

♣ Jason McGill (at NWYS)

♣ TeeJay Morris (NWYS, Juneteenth Coordinator, Bellingham Unity Committee)

♣ Damani Johnson (retired WWU professor)

♣ Whatcom Human Rights Taskforce

♣ Flo Simon (Interim COB Police Chief)

♣ Debra Lekanoff (WA State Rep)

♣ Sislena Ledbetter (WWU ED for Counseling, Health and Wellness)

♣ WWU Black Student Union representative

♣ Brian Womack

♣ Tank Tanksley (Blaine Police Chief)

6. Video/Podcast/Reading Group Topics

a. 8/15 suggested we watch United Shades of America Washington State episode prior to and then discuss

7. Other Ongoing Topics

a. Maintaining a list of possible personal actions such as voting rights and school curriculum

i. Claire to help organize a UU the Vote activity at BUF; Stephanie to assist

b. Maintaining a list of Black-owned businesses in Whatcom County

i. Need to personally ask each business; Rupert has connected with Brandywine and Guud Bowls; need to check with Scott about adding a page to the BUF website

c. Rupert to ask Paul who the Article 2 delegates are

8. Bookmarks/T-shirts/Buttons

a. Need to make new bookmarks

b. We could make buttons and silkscreen t-shirts

9. Community Actions

a. Rupert speaking to Anya Milton and Andrew Welch of Ferndale Chamber of Commerce regarding I Am the Hope and the Dream video

b. Sacred Earth Day July 31 at Center for Spiritual Living and BUF needs tabling volunteers

c. Pam suggested Sufi dancing; event August 27 at Center for Spiritual Living

d. Naomi recommended volunteering for the next Juneteenth event

Program Guest Speaker and Video Discussion Report June 27, 2022

On June 27th, the BUF BLM Action Ministry team welcomed filmmaker Remy Strike to a Zoom discussion of his locally filmed Juneteenth video I Am The Hope And The Dream created for local school districts.  The film featured Black youth and community leaders from the area discussing the meaning of Juneteenth. Remy is a multi-talented musician and videographer working out of New Jersey. The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce recruited him to make the film.

Remy described the process of making the film from shooting to editing, how it was scripted, and how those interviewed reacted to the process.  Each participant was interviewed separately, and everyone had a lot of fun.  Remy was surprised at how comfortable and safe he felt in their company. One youth was inspired to learn more about videography.  30 hours of footage was captured covering a variety of interview topics, and Remy hopes to make a longer, broader video.

The participating BLM team audience asked a series of questions before Remy left the Zoom call. Then a general discussion of reaction to the video followed.  One remark was that the film crew and interviewees had created a beloved community during the filming.

Program Guest Speaker Report June 20, 2022

 On June 20th, the BUF BLM Action Ministry team welcomed assemblage artist Ed Bereal and his wife, abstract painter Barbara Sternberger, as guest speakers.

The couple explained that in 1993, Ed began teaching at Western Washington and the couple moved from Southern California to an ideal farm house in north Bellingham.  Although their political views differed greatly from their new neighbors, the couple became part of a rural community that bonded and looked out for each other.  Ed described the area as having similar social issues to inner city minority neighborhoods

Already a successful artist addressing American stereotypes, Ed told the life-changing story of being in the middle of the National Guard occupation of greater Watts following the riots. The experience moved his practice to greater activism, including the street theater group Bodacious Buggerrilla.

Ed explained the artist expression behind his creation of a unique style of assemblage art that addresses current racial and political issues.  He is currently perfecting a holographic technique to convey his political perspective.

Ed discussed a planned mural project at the Community Co-op in Bellingham that addresses racism.  The project took many months of discussion before a design was agreed to.

Q&A followed.

Minutes of June 13th Business Meeting

Present: David Curley, Rupert Ayton, Murray Bennet, Claire Lending, Mike Betz, Joseph McCarty, Cat McIntyre, Naomi Gary (taking minutes)

1. George Floyd/BLM Memorial wrap up

a. $$ raised so far…over $2k

b. We need to write a letter thanking the speakers and include an outreach to other faith communities seeking more funds (Naomi will write a draft)

c. Rupert is asking PSE to contribute funds

2. Brave Space Practice Adoption Discussion in July before next speaker

Read these two articles to understand what a ‘Brave Space’ is and how we may use it for our 3rd Monday speaker sessions:

https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/2019/12/19/safe-spaces-brave-spaces-and-why-we-gon-be-alright

https://artscorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Brave-Space-Agreeements.pdf

3. Anti-Racism Reflection Minutes

Naomi reached out to SEJC members for input in expanding our messaging.

Kara, Beth and Deb agreed we should try to organize the AR moments outside 

of BLM meetings.  Naomi to bring up at the next CBC Forum tomorrow night.

4. Program Meeting Speakers

6/20 Ed Bereal (local activist artist) and partner Barbara Sternberger $100 honorarium approved by SEJC (Rupert to get check from BUF Admin)

Discussion topics are: 1) experience with moving to Bellingham in 1990s, 2) reflect on James Baldwin’s “the purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers” and 3) the Community Co-op mural project

July Speaker …. Rupert to ask Shovia to join us 7/25

8/22       Shu-Ling Zhao (Chuckanut Health Foundation) 

Potential Speakers for 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19

Clyde Ford (Author)

Jason McGill (at NWYS)

TeeJay Morris (NWYS, Juneteenth Coordinator, Bellingham Unity Committee)

Demani Johnson (retired WWU professor)

Whatcom Human Rights Taskforce

Flo Simon (Interim COB Police Chief)

Debra Lekanoff (WA State Rep)

Sislena Ledbetter (WWU ED for Counseling, Health and Wellness)

WWU Black Student Union representative

We plan to ask the BUF Board to support $50 Honorariums

5. Reading Group Topics

Suggested that we avoid books in favor of videos, podcasts and articles

June 27th    Juneteenth video by Remy Styrk     remy@remystyrk.com

here is the link to the video on YouTube: 

https://youtu.be/gG3n9mMKRB8

and here is the link to the website: 

https://sites.google.com/view/connectferndale/juneteenth?authuser=0

Also, we intend to reach out to Children of the Setting Sun for other documentaries about local Indigenous issues.

6. Black Community Center at BUF

a. Paul is in favor of making the space available gratis

b. We continue to outreach to leaders in the BIPOC community including Shovia M.

7. Other Ongoing Topics…the work continues

a. Interface with SEJC and Beloved Community

i. Naomi is writing the SEJC Quarterly Reports and attending meetings

b. Naomi posting regularly on BUF BLM Facebook page

c. Polling the BLM mailing list for suggestions

d. Assembling and organizing anti-racism educational content

e. Linking with other BLM groups in Whatcom or forming a BLM chapter and creating a network map of all BIPOC groups

f. Maintaining a list of possible personal actions such as voting rights and school curriculum

i. Claire to help organize a UU the Vote event at BUF

ii. David to develop Micro Aggression response mini trainings

g. Maintaining a list of Black-owned businesses in Whatcom County

h. Possible community projects—we have noted that Bellingham lacks a documented Black history and plaques memorializing locations of notable events

8. Social Media

a. Rupert to develop our Blog (especially as a resource of our programs and books)

b. Mike to help with RSS feed and subscription button

c. Rupert to expand our Breeze Mailing List

9. Community Actions

6/18 at Maritime Park JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Next Business Planning Meeting on zoom:  July 2022

Respectfully submitted

Naomi Gary, Co-Facilitator

AR Reflection of June 12th on Art and Racism

This morning’s reflection is about an issue I was deeply immersed in during my 10 years at the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation: institutional racism toward Native art.

Walk into a major art museum in the United States and you will likely find an “American” gallery.  Whose art is on display there?  Americans, right?  But wait, which Americans?  Lanape, Lakota, Tlingit?  Probably not.  Our Native artists are rarely exhibited in the “American” Gallery.  Often, their work is found in an ethnographic gallery.  Maybe even a transnational ethnographic gallery.  Why?

Let’s go a step further.  If you want to go to university and study Native art, will you find it in art history classes?  Probably not, unless you attend the Institute of American Indian Arts.  More likely, you will find it in anthropology and Native studies classes.  And those curators of those ethnographic galleries?  They typically have PhDs in anthropology, not art history. And how many are actually Native?

And what about the critics and gallerists, who are so important to the art world?  I remember a comment from a well-meaning San Francisco gallerist when referring to Native art. He said it was still stuck in the “identity art” phase.  When is art not about identity?  I guess when it is by a white artist in a white world

The good news is art museums are starting to adjust.  Let me give you an example.

A few years ago, the Portland Art Museum’s Native Gallery Curator took issue with the Museum Director over an exhibition of donated early 20th Century Edward Curtis photographs.  The exhibition was planned as a paean to the wealthy donors.  The curator, a Chumash woman, voiced a common Native objection to Curtis’s posed, period-stereotypical images of the “disappearing” American Indian.  Chastened by the realization that the images could be considered racist, the Museum Director agreed to exhibit the Curtis images in conjunction with the art of three contemporary Native artists, Wendy Red Star, Zig Jackson, and Will Wilson. A coup for them, and the curator.

And, if Curtis photographed your ancestor, you put aside your distaste for him, and treasured the image, as well as the Native artists being exhibited.

The thing is, museum directors have to cater to their public, and their donors, while gallerists have to cater to their patrons.  And sometimes, it is those well-meaning donors and patrons, who profess a love for Native art, and want it segregated for their appreciation. Is that ghettoizing Native art?  Native artists can be split on this.  Some want to get out of the ethnographic space.  Some want to stay in it.  But there’s a third choice.  There is tremendous power in Native artists exhibiting together, in a dedicated space, such as Portland’s Center for Native Arts and Cultures.

Locally, go to the Lightcatcher, and walk the Many Wests exhibition, where several Native artists are included.  Look at the piece by Wendy Red Star.  Then look up her website and look at her art.  It’s complex, and makes a point, as good art should.  It is a celebration of being Absaroka—Crow to you—and as a guest in Indian Country, I greatly appreciate that. Thank you.

Minutes of May 9 Business Meeting

 Present : David Curley, Rick Steele, Rupert Ayton, Murray Bennet, Claire Lending, Mike Betz, Mel Hoover, Naomi Gary (taking minutes)

1. Clyde Ford Debrief

Mel and Rupert 5/4 conversation with Clyde

He was a UU in New York. He remembers BUF hosting the NAACP Bellingham Chapter back in 1992 (we could have a 30th anniversary event!) He suggested ways to create a more inclusive community including “mindful meetings”, building authentic relationships, etc. He prefers opening to BIPOC not just BLM conversations. He said he looks forward to further conversations with BUF. Tonight we discussed having a Book Reading event including his last two books “Think Black” and “Of Blood and Sweat”.

2. Brave Space Practice Adoption Discussion for our next Program Mtg June 20th!

Read these two articles to understand what a ‘Brave Space’ is and how we may use it for our 3rd Monday speaker sessions:

https://www.citybureau.org/notebook/2019/12/19/safe-spaces-brave-spaces-and-why-we-gon-be-alright

https://artscorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Brave-Space-Agreeements.pdf

3. Anti-Racism Reflection Minutes

David and Rupert debriefed team on 5/6 meeting with Rev. Paul. He’d like the AR to match the service if possible. Add more SEJC speakers. Keep it to 3 min. MAX!!

These dates offered by Rev. Paul:

5/22 Reflection on George Floyd and BLM Memorial on 5/25

with Naomi, Rupert and David

5/29 Pam Graham on her Personal Journey with racism

6/5 Mike Betz and Deb Cruz

 service is flower communion; suggested environmental subject

6/12 TBD; service includes WA State Poet Laureate Rena Priest 

4. Program Meeting Speakers

5/16 Ed Bereal (local activist artist) and partner Barbara Sternberger $100 honorarium approved by SEJC (Rupert to get check from BUF Admin)

Discussion topics are: 1) experience with moving to Bellingham in 1990s, 2) reflect on James Baldwin’s “the purpose of art is to lay bare the questions which have been hidden by the answers” and 3) the Community Co-op mural project

Potential Speakers for 7/18, 8/15, 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/19

Clyde Ford (Author)

Shu-Ling Zhao (Chuckanut Health Foundation) Naomi waiting to hear back.

Jason McGill (at NWYS)

TeeJay Morris (NWYS, Juneteenth Coordinator, Bellingham Unity Committee)

Demani Johnson (retired WWU professor)

Whatcom Human Rights Taskforce

Flo Simon (Interim COB Police Chief)

Debra Lekanoff (WA State Rep)

Sislena Ledbetter (WWU ED for Counseling, Health and Wellness)

                WWU Black Student Union representative

5. Reading Group Topics

Suggested that we avoid books in favor of videos, podcasts and articles

5/23 Watch the Bellingham History Walking Tour video and discuss

6. Black Community Center at BUF

a. Paul is in favor of making the space available gratis

7. Other Ongoing Topics

a. Interface with SEJC and Beloved Community

        i. Naomi is writing the SEJC Quarterly Reports and attending meetings

b. Naomi posting regularly on BUF BLM Facebook page

c. Polling the BLM mailing list for suggestions

d. Assembling and organizing anti-racism educational content

e. Linking with other BLM groups in Whatcom or forming a BLM chapter and creating a network map of all BIPOC groups

f. Maintaining a list of possible personal actions such as voting rights and school curriculum

        i. Claire to help organize a UU the Vote event at BUF

        ii. David to develop Micro Aggression response mini trainings

g. Maintaining a list of Black-owned businesses in Whatcom County

        i. Pam saw a list at last year’s Juneteenth Celebration

        ii. Claire found an article in the Bellingham Herald

        iii. Rupert has an old list. Rupert has connected with Brandywine, Calypso, and Guud Bowls and there is possible interest in a round table discussion

h. Possible community projects—we have noted that Bellingham lacks a documented Black history and plaques memorializing locations of notable events

        i. Rupert found resources at the library and at the local Cemetery

8. Social Media

a. Rupert to develop our Blog (especially as a resource of our programs and books)

b. Mike to help with RSS feed and subscription button

c. Rupert to expand our Breeze Mailing List

9. Community Actions

5/22 All Aboard the CBC Accountability process live at BUF!

5/25 BLM Memorial Event at Fouts Park 5-6:30pm

6/4 Roaring 20’s themed Annual Auction Fundraiser for BUF

Next Business Planning Meeting on zoom:  June 13, 2022

Respectfully submitted

Naomi Gary, Co-Facilitator

Program Guest Speaker Report April 18, 2022

On April 18th, the BUF Black Lives Matter Action Ministry team welcomed councilwoman Kristina Michelle Martens as our monthly guest.

Ms. Martens started the conversation with her background and personal experience with white supremacy living in Southern California, which ultimately led her to move to Bellingham.  She explained that in Bellingham, she is often the only person of color in a given environment, a very different experience to what she was used to.  Once in Bellingham, Kristina became involved in social justice organizing, with help from the Chuckanut Health Foundation.  Her community organizing skills propelled her to greater visibility within Bellingham, ultimately leading to a recommendation that she run for city council, which she succeeded in doing in 2020.

The conversation shifted to examining the question of how to encourage diversity in the area.  It was noted that students of color attending Western Washington rarely stay in the area after graduation. Ms. Martens suggested that a community gathering place for people of color is missing and could be very beneficial for existing communities of color and would create a welcoming environment.  Finally, Ms. Martens discussed a memorial for George Floyd at Fouts Park on May 25.