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