By Ronnie Galvin, Managing Director, Community Investment
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, the Greater Washington Community Foundation was compelled to convene our community on April 16 for a time to lament, heal, and hope together. Following our COVID-19 Interfaith Memorial service, I am much clearer about a reality that frontline leaders in the Movement for Black Lives, Indigenous Movements, and Immigrant Rights Movements have been teaching us for some time now.
We cannot ignore the emotional and physical impacts we are experiencing in the face of multiple pandemics. These pandemics include but are not limited to white supremacist extremism, gun violence in neighborhoods and mass shootings all across the country, the ongoing killing of Black people at the hands of the police, and economic precarity felt by frontline workers.
We need spaces where we can retreat, take stock of what we have learned, and set the course for healing and acting together. This is especially true as our community looks to make meaning of the recent verdict following the senseless murder of George Floyd, and the recent tragic killings of Daunte Wright and Ma'Khia Bryant. These are just the latest among far too many other lives lost at the hands of police and gun violence, which has terrorized communities from Atlanta to Indianapolis to Boulder.
I believe that failing to create such spaces reinforces the status quo that sacrifices our humanity and collective well-being, for work and productivity. Without taking time and space, the possibility for creating a more transformed, equitable, and just region will continue to elude us.
We were humbled to offer such a space with the COVID-19 Interfaith Memorial service led by spiritual leaders and artists. This special convening was held as a healing space to acknowledge and honor the lives we’ve lost, reflect on our shared truths, and open our hearts and minds to building a transformative future. Service leaders included Sixth & I’s Rabbi Shira Stutman; National Council of Church’s Rev. Aundreia Alexander; MakeSpace’s Imam Makhdoom Zia; Singer, songwriter, and producer Tamara Wellons; and Rev. Raedorah Stewart.
During the service, we invited participants to create two collages: one listing the names of people we have lost over the past year and, the other, a collection of words that expressed the feelings we were holding. We invite you to add to each of them if you feel compelled to join us.
As we continue to feel the impact of multiple pandemics; as people rise to care for each other and defend our common humanity; as we celebrate the verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial, while poising ourselves for the next attack on Black lives; my colleagues and I at the Greater Washington Community Foundation remain committed to creating these spaces for discussion, reflection, and community-building.
I am looking for thought partners and community builders who are already creating these kinds of truth-telling, meaning making, and healing spaces. If this sounds like you, drop me a line at [email protected] with the subject line “Community Builders Unite!”
Thank you for standing with us in our continued quest for justice, and for healing. Community is our way. It is the only way.
Pumoja Tutashinde. Together We Will Win.
Weren’t able to join us for our COVID-19 Interfaith Memorial Service? Watch the recording here.