May 2010 Newsletter
Printer-friendly versionFRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON
MONTHLY MEETING FOR WORSHIP WITH A CONCERN FOR BUSINESS
April 11, 2010
April 2010 Meeting for Worship With a Concern for Business
Spiritual State of the Meeting
Library Committee Recommendation Regarding the Rare Book Collection
FRIENDS MEETING OF WASHINGTON
MONTHLY MEETING FOR WORSHIP WITH A CONCERN FOR BUSINESS
April 11, 2010
Minutes
04/10-1 Opening The Meeting opened at noon with a period of silent worship. David Etheridge served as Presiding Clerk, Susan Lepper, Alternate Clerk, and Merry Pearlstein, Recording Clerk.
Sabrina McCarthy joined the clerks on the facing bench holding the Meeting in the Light. The clerks read Advices, Queries and Voices related to stewardship of the environment as proposed by the Faith and Practice Revision Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting.
Advices Friends have connected with the earth and all it holds as part of their spiritual development. From George Fox walking throughout England searching for his spiritual identity to current times, we are aware that we are only stewards, not owners of this land. We need to be constantly aware of how our actions affect the rest of the world. By not using more than we need and by sharing with others, we ensure that the earth will continue to support everyone.
Queries How do we exercise our respect for the balance of nature?
How do we avoid misusing the land, air and sea and use the world’s resources with care and consideration for future generations and with respect for all life?
In what other ways do we carry out our commitment to stewardship?
Voices Sustainability as a concept has recently acquired new spiritual depth of meaning to include a resolve to live in harmony with biological and physical systems, and to work to create social systems that can enable us to do that. It includes a sense of connectedness and an understanding of the utter dependence of human society within the intricate web of life; a passion for environmental justice and ecological ethics; an understanding of dynamic natural balances and processes; and recognition of the limits to growth due to finite resources. Our concern for sustainability recognizes our responsibility to future generations, to care for the Earth as our own home and the home of all that dwell herein. We seek a relationship between human beings and the Earth that is mutually enhancing.
Approved at Quaker Earthcare Witness Annual Meeting, 1998
The produce of the earth is a gift from our gracious creator to the inhabitants, and to impoverish the earth now to support outward greatness appears to be an injury to the succeeding age.
John Woolman, 1772
As a Religious Society of Friends we see the stewardship of God’s creation as a major concern. The environmental crisis is at root a spiritual and religious crisis; we are called to look again at the real purpose of being on this earth, which is to till it and keep it so as to reveal the glory of God for generations to come. London Yearly Meeting, 1988
That the sweat and tedious labor of the farmer, early and late, cold and hot, wet and dry, should be converted into the pleasure of a small number of men – that continued severity should be laid on nineteen parts of the land to feed the inordinate lusts and delicate appetites of the twentieth, is so far from the will of the great Governor of the world [it] is wretched and blasphemous.
William Penn, 1669
04/10-2 Attendance Approximately 33 Friends were present. Presiding Clerk David Etheridge welcomed visitor Justine Reeves.
4/10-3 Clerks’ Report David Etheridge announced that there would be a meeting of the Committee of Clerks on Sunday, April 18, at 9:15 in the Decatur Place Room.
David noted that website designer Vonn New, Neil Froemming, Marcia Reecer, Dick Bellin, Steve Brooks and David Etheridge have provided significant contributions as members of the ad hoc committee responsible for developing the Meetings’ website (QuakersDC.org). Friends who have questions or comments regarding the website or who need assistance in using it are encouraged to contact Tom Cooke or Laura Yeomans in the Meeting office.
David announced that there would be a pot luck lunch in the Assembly Room at the rise of Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business.
Finally, Friends were reminded that they were participating in a meeting for worship, and that, to the extent possible, procedures would be like those of any other worship meeting with periods of silence being observed between messages.
4/10-04 Report on the Spiritual State of the Meeting (second presentation) Faith Williams, Clerk of the Ministry and Worship Committee, made the second presentation of the Report on the Spiritual State of the Meeting (attached). A Friend suggested the report might be improved by ending the last sentence in the first paragraph after the words “complex problems.” The Meeting APPROVED the report with this change.
4/10-05 Recommendation from the Healing and Reconciliation Committee (Susan Lepper, Alternate Clerk, presided over this discussion). David Etheridge, speaking on behalf of the Healing and Reconciliation Committee, relayed the committee’s proposal that the Meeting approve the following statement concerning the committee’s responsibilities: “When hurtful behavior occurs, the Healing and Reconciliation Committee is responsible for intervening to stop the behavior, and to begin the healing process. The Healing and Reconciliation Committee will seek out training for itself and the Meeting to learn appropriate responses to hurtful behavior.”
Several questions were raised with respect to the proposal. Friends asked who would determine what words or actions were hurtful and how, and David responded that members of the committee would use their best judgment to make that determination. Others questioned whether responses were intended to be immediate or ongoing. David said that, assuming a member of the committee was present when the incident occurred, intervention would be immediate, but that healing would likely be an ongoing process.
Several questions concerned the respective responsibilities of the Ministry and Worship and the Healing and Reconciliation committees. Faith Williams, Clerk of Ministry and Worship, stated that her committee would respond to concerns regarding messages offered in Meeting for Worship, and suggested that Friends address any such concerns to members of her committee. David Etheridge noted that the Healing and Reconciliation was responsible for handling instances of hurtful behavior in Meeting activities.
Friends suggested possible wording changes to the proposal. As the Meeting was not in unity on the issue, it was referred back to the Healing and Reconciliation Committee for further seasoning, along with a Friend’s suggestion that all perspectives (those of the injured parties, the person(s) deemed to have caused the hurt, and the Meeting) be carefully considered.
4/10-06 Recommendations from the Membership Committee Harry Massey, Clerk of the Membership Committee, made the first presentation of the request for the full membership of
Justine Kalas Reeves in Friends Meeting of Washington and he read a portion of the letter Justine had written applying for membership. This request will be held over for one month, as is our custom.
Harry relayed the resignation of Sally Craig from Membership. The Meeting ACCEPTED this resignation.
Harry presented the final recommendation to drop Ann Procter from Meeting membership, since extensive attempts to reach her have been unsuccessful. Friends APPROVED this recommendation.
Finally, Harry presented the committee’s initial recommendation to drop the following persons from associate membership since they either had not responded to numerous communications or had indicated they did not choose to retain their membership:
Nicholas Warren Alexander Warren
Mary Johnson Aladdine Dory Joroff
James E. Rouse Asia Moore
James O’Neill Samuel Newman
Rebecca Newman Deane L. Kern
Friends indicated a desire to know which persons had actively indicated their intent to drop their membership and which simply had not responded. It was noted that Asia Moore and Deane Kern had asked that their membership be terminated. Harry Massey encouraged Friends who had current contact information for the other associate members to share that information with members of the committee.
The recommendation to drop associate members will be held over for one month.
4/10-07 Report from the Nominating Committee Interim Clerk Marcia Reecer reported the Resignation of Kimberly Crichton from School for Friends Board, which was ACCEPTED by the Meeting.
Marcia presented the Nomination of Erica Hurvitz to the School for Friends Board for a term ending on June 1, 2012. The Meeting APPROVED this nomination.
Marcia also presented the nominations of Beverly Reader, Leslie Jadin and Diane McDougall to the Healing and Reconciliation Committee for terms ending December 31, 2012. The Meeting APPROVED these nominations.
4/10-08 Recommendation from the Library Committee Hayden Wetzel, speaking for a task force appointed by the Library Committee, presented the attached recommendation for the disposition of approximately 220 somewhat rare books which have been in the Meeting’s library since they were donated by the Alexandria Friends Meeting years ago. The books are not being used and are slowly deteriorating. The committee recommends that the majority of the books be donated to the Wilmington College Library which is eager to have them, has the ability to care for them, and will assume the costs of packing and shipping. A few books of discipline will be returned to the Yearly Meetings which have requested them. Two non-Quaker books will be donated to the Folger Shakespeare Library in honor of Jean Miller, a member of the Library committee and a former employee of the Folger Library. Friends APPROVED this request. Hayden noted that the committee is planning a tea at which Friends can view the books before they are transferred.
4/10-09 Update from the Property Committee Steve Brooks, co-Clerk, reported on recent activities of the Property Committee. The installation of automated thermostats and additional insulation have resulted in significant energy savings and helped to reduce the Meeting’s carbon footprint. The committee is exploring automation of exterior lighting to eliminate waste during daylight hours. The results of a recent energy audit can be found on the Meeting’s website.
Steve reported that the apartment on the second floor of the Carriage House is currently empty and undergoing some renovation. The committee hopes to rent it to non-profits whose activities would be compatible to those of the Meeting.
It was noted that the smoke detectors on the property are not monitored, and the committee is exploring ways to correct that. They are also looking into the possibility of obtaining wireless access either before or during proposed renovations. The committee is working with the Planning Committee regarding the possible use of portions of Quaker House to ease disruption of Meeting activities during the proposed renovation of the main building. They are also planning an event to honor Clem Swisher for his years of dedicated service in maintaining Meeting property.
Steve expressed gratitude for the tremendous participation of Friends in recent workdays, and noted that another work session is being planning for Saturday, May 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4/10/-10 Membership Committee Annual Report Harry Massey, Clerk of the Membership Committee, presented the annual report which had been held over from last month’s meeting. A Friend asked about the number of members and active attenders. Tom Cooke, Administrator, noted that that information had been included in the Recorder’s report in January.
04/10-11 Personal Aid Committee Annual Report Merry Pearlstein, co-Clerk of the Personal Aid Committee, presented the annual report, which had also been held over from last month. She reminded Friends that the committee is dependent on members and attenders to alert them of needs within the Meeting community, and that that committee relies heavily on volunteers to help perform its responsibilities. Merry acknowledged the continued generous financial support the committee has received from the holiday sales of Bob Meehan’s Quaker Treasure Chest bread. She also expressed gratitude for the years of extraordinary service Marcia Reecer had given to the committee and the Meeting before rotating off the committee at the end of last year.
4/10-12 Approval of Minutes The minutes were read and APPROVED.
4/10-13 Adjournment With approximately 25 Friends present, the Meeting closed with a period of silent worship at 2:15 p.m., to reconvene as way opens on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at 11:45 a.m.
Attachments: Report on the Spiritual State of the Meeting
Recommendation Regarding the Rare Book Collection
Friends Meeting of Washington
SpiritualStateof the Meeting, 2009
As a spiritual community The Friends Meeting of Washington (FMW) has many blessings. Its bedrock consists of members and attenders deeply committed to Quaker beliefs and principled action. Our physical home is a historic cluster of buildings set within a well-tended garden that manifests a commitment to peace and simplicity. And, perhaps most importantly, we enjoy a never-ending and diverse stream of seekers - drawn to Washington for secular reasons and to FMW in pursuit of a spiritual home. As is often the case, these blessings bring challenges and opportunities. 2009 was a year when these blessings and challenges were particularly noticed at FMW, just as they were for our nation as it welcomed a new Administration and faced with deep concern complex problems.
”[FMW enjoys] the dedication and commitment of Friends who have been attenders and members for decades, to staff committees, to maintain the property and especially to nurture the life of the Spirit in worship and through acts of compassion, justice and peace”
As treasured elders have left us this year through death or other transitions, others have seen their way clear to provide guidance and leadership within our community. With our property entering its eighth decade, the loving care and attention it has received from dedicated members for two generations has been followed by an intense renovation planning process. This process approached its conclusion during 2009 with completion of a comprehensive architectural plan that will soon be laid before the full Meeting after long seasoning. The Meeting will be challenged in 2010 to find unanimity on the scale of this endeavor and on how it will be financed so that our buildings remain manifestations of our vigor and our commitment to full inclusion. During 2009 the Meeting also has given special attention to welcoming newcomers and fortifying our collective spirit with a series of actions designed to foster to spiritual growth through opportunities convened throughout the year.
“The people and activities are very important to me. I feel blessed to be part of the history of FMW, helping me grow – challenges me to grow. I feel a strong sense of community but I had to open myself to it. The sense of community did not just happen”
Asked to consider their personal relation to the life of the Meeting, Friends expressed deep connection and gratitude for the “groundedness”, “expressions of strong personal faith”, “open-mindedness” and “diversity” of the meeting and its members. Several spoke of FMW as being central to their lives, “sometimes like a touchstone…sometimes like a life-line”. Friends were especially grateful for some Quaker practices they experienced at FMW, especially the practice of deep listening, and of holding one another in the Light. One friend saw this as “training in faith and in generosity.”
“Many Friends at this meeting are always ready to listen, to console each other, as well as challenge us to grow. We keep working diligently at the hard task of creating the beloved community”
Friends also offered varying perceptions on whether and how worshippers stand together in love and conviction. It is rare for a large proportion of FMW Friends to work together on a single goal or initiative; some feel that in a Meeting our size, this is neither achievable nor necessary. Some feel that regular endeavors such as the annual Shoebox Project and working at local soup kitchens and shelters, special events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Inauguration Day hospitality, work days that have given restorative attention to our facilities and built community through shared labor, and the memorial services of cherished members, show our strengths. Others feel that such events are perhaps too few and far between. Many members and attenders hope to see more caring, openness and love expressed within our community and in our actions toward the outside world.
“[I would like to see strengthened] Generosity. Open-heartedness. Loving kindness to one another. All this takes listening and learning. [We] need to address long standing issues! Problems, conflict, difficulty – facing these with each other and alone is our opportunity to deepen our spiritual life.”
Friends remain grateful for the many different ways FMW has gathered in worship and spiritual seeking—four different meetings for worship each 1st day, classes for children, youth and adults, special workshops and working groups around different topics. This year there was a deeply satisfying gathering where Friends and attenders shared spiritual gifts brought to FMW from various religious traditions. Friends also continue to seek better grounding in Quaker faith, practice, thought and history. In response, Ministry and Worship compiled a list of FMW spiritual education opportunities and it has held an exploratory workshop on Quaker Quest. The Religious Education Committee has revived the “Friendly Eights” dinners. Nevertheless, some still have concerns that FMW “is splintered into cliques and separate groupings…a bit unfriendly and dismissive, at times”.
Many Friends expressed a hope that some aspects of Meeting life might be strengthened, including the nature of its silent worship. Several cited a wish for more Spirit-centered vocal ministry, noting the need for sensitivity in gently encouraging that end while realizing that Spirit-led revelations are not always easily recognized. There are also concerns related to “Eldering”. And, FMW continues to struggle with serious budget shortfalls which leave some Members deeply troubled that as a community we seem unable to meet our fiduciary responsibilities. Asked “how do we stand together in love as well as in conviction,” one friend responded, “Well, do we stand together? Or do we avoid conflict and avoid facing our financial responsibilities?” The Meeting continues to clarify the ways in which Quakers can share Spirit-led guidance with kindness, respect, and sensitivity.
“There is much enthusiasm about the ideas of Quakerism from new inquirers/ attendees, but it is difficult for new folks to gain the necessary information about 'effective' ministry and worship practices.”
“Part of seeing the light in every person to me means welcoming each individual as a valued potential member of a group, and finding out what truth and nurture that person may be seeking and whether there are ways a meeting can help to meet those needs or foster that person's gifts.”
Amid our distractions and eagerness to connect with the individuals who hearten and strengthen us, many feel we need to be more welcoming of newcomers. In response to these concerns, FMW has given attention to signage, Meeting for Worship procedures, and personal outreach - striving to make our community more welcoming. Other ideas are also being considered such as the formation of a dedicated “welcoming committee” or widening hospitality outreach. As more, younger families and individuals find their way to FMW; our community has a great opportunity to embrace their entry into our spiritual and physical home, recognizing that they are integral to our future vitality.
While recognizing the blessings of our historic and dynamic Meeting, our community is responding to the concerns we have identified. We are working together with compassion to find better ways to welcome new attendees, enhance diversity, and resolve fiscal and facility stewardship challenges. We are also striving to make our meeting a more caring and nurturing home for all spiritual seekers guided by the Light within “to create the beloved community”. We trust the Spirit to lead these efforts and to inform our hearts. In so doing, we draw on the love, tolerance, and patience that have long sustained the Friends Meeting of Washington.
Library Committee Recommendation to Meeting for Business
Regarding the Rare Book Collection
Hayden Wetzel, Michael North, and Todd Harvey were tasked by the Library Committee with finding an appropriate repository for the approximately 220 rare books in the FMW Library mostly dating before 1900. These volumes have more intrinsic value as research materials than as items in FMW's lending library, yet they are inaccessible to researchers because of their location. Additionally, although the environmental conditions at FMW are acceptable they are far from ideal. The books will have a longer useful life at a university or other large repository.
After performing research on the booklist and talking to several Quaker institutional libraries, the subcommittee came to the following recommendation, which was then approved by the Library Committee:
1. Rare books relating to Quakerism (about 220):
● Donate all to the Library of Wilmington College, Ohio
● Wilmington will be responsible for any expenses involved in transport
● Wilmington will have authority to transfer duplicates or other volumes it doesn't need to other libraries
2. Yearly Meeting Books of Discipline:
● Send any that have been requested by the relevant YM to that office
● All others to Wilmington College
3. Two non-Quaker books requested by Folger Shakespeare Library:
● Donate these two volumes to the Folger Shakespeare Library in honor of our member and former librarian Jean Miller, who also was a Folger Library employee --the Folger has been asked to make a donation to our Meeting library fund
SPRING EVENTS
Meeting for Grieving
The Marriage and Family Relations Committee is sponsoring a Meeting for Worship for Grieving on Sunday, April 25 at 9 a.m. in the Decatur Place Room. This is an opportunity for Friends who have lost a loved one or experienced other types of loss for which they are grieving. For more information contact Susan Griffin, the Marriage and Family Relations Committee clerk.
Living Our Queries
Discover how the monthly queries, advices and voices connect with our daily spiritual experiences. Every fourth Sunday, starting Sunday, April 25 at 9:15 a.m. Friends will share how the query for the month can help us live our faith. The first meeting will be held in the Quaker House Living Room. Friends with a special passion or commitment to a query are needed to facilitate the discussions. The calendar is:
April 25 Stewardship of the Earth
May 23 Children and young people
June 27 Caring for one another
Aug. 29 Outreach
Sept. 26 Equality
Oct. 24 Social Concerns
Nov. 21. Peace
For more information contact Tracy Hart, Clerk of the Religion Education Committee. To read our current queries, as well as to read proposed new queries, visit the BYM website.
Property Committee Work Day
On Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Property Committee is hosting a work day. This work day will focus specifically on “Sprucing Up” the Meeting House. All F/friends are welcome and no special skills are needed to participate. Lunch will be provided. Childcare will be provided on request by reservation. For more information contact either the FMW Office or the Property Committee Co-Clerks, Steve Brooks or Martha Solt.
William Penn House
The William Penn House is a Quaker Center located on Capitol Hill and is an alcohol and tobacco-free facility. In May, the William Penn House is hosting three Sunday potluck dinners at 6:30 p.m. with discussions following. On Sunday, May 2, the scheduled topic is: Restoring Health, Hope, Peace: Reflections from a Grassroots Doctor in Burundi. Dr. Alexia Nibona is the medical and executive director of the Friends Woman’s Association. She grew up in Kamenge, Burundi which is one of Burundi’s deadliest war zones and has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the country. She will discuss her work with women and their families, HIV/AIDS, and women who have experienced sexual violence and post-genocide trauma.
On Sunday, May 9, Chris Brown of Langley Hill Meeting and Devin Helfrich of Friends Committee on National Legislation and a representative from Virginia Interfaith Power and Light will discuss Interfaith Cooperation and the Politics of Climate Change. They will discuss why people of faith are drawn to work on climate change, their work in the field of climate change, and how faith groups can work together on this issue.
On Sunday, May 16, Mary Craudereuf, a Young Adult Friend, librarian and archivist will lead a discussion titled Quakers and Web 2.0. She will discuss the roll of the internet, Facebook, Twitter, texting and how these innovations build community, friendship and a spiritual network.
William Penn House provides the community with many learning opportunities. Please feel free to contact the William Penn House at 515 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC 20003 or (202)543-5560.
Adult Religious Education
The Adult Religious Education group will meet on Sunday, May 9 at 9:15 a.m. in the Decatur Place Room and Sunday, May 23 at 9:15 a.m. in the Terrace Room. The group will continue to discuss the writings of Rufus Jones. Everyone is invited to participate. For further information either contact the FMW Office or talk with John Scales.
Records and Handbook Committee
The Records and Handbook Committee invites all F/friends to a reception on May 16 at 11:45 a.m.
in the Assembly Room. Writers, editors, artists, book designers and makers of history will gather to talk about book chapters and introduce the two books the Records and Handbook Committee has nurtured to publication. These books are: Seeking the Sense of the Meeting: A History of the Friends Meeting of Washington1972-1992 and Anniversary Essays: Celebrating 75 Years at Friends Meeting of Washington. Join the Committee at this exciting “book unveiling” and celebration. Light refreshments will be served.
The Records and Handbook Committee will be participating in The Conference of Quaker Historians and Archivists held at Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio from June 25-27, 2010.
The FMW panel discussion is scheduled for Saturday, June 26 from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.and willbechaired by Australian Friend Alan Clayton. All Friends are invited to attend. In addition to introducing Seeking the Sense of the Meeting: A History of the Friends Meeting of Washington
1972-1992members of the panel will discuss specific topics. Montague Kern and Tara Tappert will discuss “Coming to Washington: Balancing Local and National Sensibilities”; Riley Robinson will discuss “A Friends Meeting Struggles for Lesbian, Gay and Same Sex Unions in the Nation’s Capital”; J.E. McNeil will discuss “Peace Making in a Time of Growth: The Meeting Confronts an Odd Break-in, Anti-Nixon Demonstrations at the White House, Draft Resistance and its Support for a Fledgling William Penn House”; William Palmer will discuss “Editing the 75th Anniversary Lectures :A Personal Journey” and Deborah Lee Haines will present “Friends Meeting of Washington and the Idea of Quaker Unity”. For more information about the Conference go to: www.guilford.edu/about_guilford/services_and_administration/library/fhc/....
FMW’s Senior Center
Programs of slides or talks are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 2 p.m. in the Decatur Place Room. The program for the month is:
May 12 Carol Coffee will present China.
May 26 Clem Swisher will show slides of London and East Anglia.
Inquirers Class
All F/friends are invited to participate in FMW’s Inquirers Class. This is a great way to learn more about Quakers and the Religious Society of Friends, and is open to both newcomers and not-so-newcomers. The class will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Decatur Place Room on Monday April 26, May 3, May 11, and May 17 through (and including) May 24, when the class ends. Attendance at every class in not required, for more information please contact either Michael Cronin or the FMW Office.
FriendsWilderness Center
The Friends Wilderness Center is hosting its Annual Open House and Wildflower Hike on Saturday, May 22, 2010. The Friends Wilderness Center is 1400 acres of wilderness located near Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia and is approximately 2 hours from Washington, DC. For more information, and directions call Sheila Bach at (304)728-4820.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Meeting Historian
Since being appointed the Meeting Historian I have been reviewing and organizing our records pulled from all sorts of odd places, have made an initial pass over (I think) everything and will soon begin a more careful sorting and labeling of the material. If anyone has a box of old Meeting materials at home you want to get rid of please feel free to drop it off at the office and I will put it in the hopper. This does not mean the current stuff you might still be using -- I'm talking here about materials you are no longer using and don't want. We'll take it!
This could be papers (committee minutes, memos and reports, letters, etc), photos (marked on the back who/what/when please!), fliers, newsletters (Meeting and related groups), even three-dimensional items such as . . . well, I can't think of anything right now, but maybe you have something. If material from other Quaker or local organizations is mixed in with it don't worry -- I'm regularly passing material on to other libraries and repositories if it works better there.
I'm looking for a space to make some sort of rotating display, and plan a larger afternoon exhibit in the library some Sunday afternoon when the whole project is completed.
Best regards to all, Hayden Wetzel (202) 526-5986
Baltimore Yearly Meeting Working Group on Racism
Thinking About Race: In The Black Notebooks, poet Toi Derricotte writes about her experiences as a light-skinned African American. Here, she is in a fourth-grade classroom:
White children might have a more difficult time forming a concept of kinship with people of different colors. Black children grow up in families where there is every conceivable color, texture of hair, thickness of feature. In white families there is much less difference. I decide to test this.
“How many in the room have people in their family that are all different colors, some people as light as I am, some people as dark as Sheldon?”
All the black kids raise their hands.
“How many have people in their family that are all just about the same color?”
All the white kids raise their hands.
Schools with predominantly white children want to teach the concept of the human family by including pictures of black people in texts. But valuing the other, learning we are all the same blood, is not a lesson one learns with the mind.
Note: The BYM Working Group on Racism (BYM WGR) usually meetsthe2ndSaturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon (or 1:00 p.m.) at either Bethesda Friends Meeting or Friends Meeting of Washington. We consider issues around racial justice, share personal experiences and plan events such as activities at the BYM summer sessions. Please check with the BYM WGR Clerk for time and place if you can join us: Elizabeth DuVerlie, (410)243-1992.