
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (Dr. Martin L. King Jr.)
As I sit to write this reflection in honor of one of my greatest inspirations, Dr. Martin L. King Jr., I find myself pondering all that is possible with and through light and love. We can do more together than we can do apart. And through light and love, I believe that we can find a way to come together.
This time in our lives feels familiar, yet unusual, a peculiar convergence of past, present, and future. On this day, when we dedicate ourselves to remember and celebrate an individual whose legacy is anchored in nonviolent action and uniting people across differences, we will also witness the swearing-in of a 34-count convicted felon as the 47th President of the United States, while flags fly at half-staff in mourning for the 39th President of the United States and Nobel Laureate, Jimmy Carter. On this day the universe also reminds us to pay close attention. From the horrific fires in California to the extreme subzero temperatures moving across the greater part of the U.S., it is hard to not take notice of our climate and its changing landscape. And then, there is what is felt from the fragile Gaza cease-fire that recently went into effect. As I take a moment to remember and celebrate Dr. King, I reflect on all these things that make up our current societal and political setting, and how through it all, art continues to save me. It continues to allow me a tangible way to lean into life with purpose and a vehicle to action efforts toward a greater sense of connectedness and belonging – toward humanity.
Dr. King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” For the past few years, The Conversation Series: Stitching the Geopolitical Quilt to Re-Body Belonging has been, and continues to be, a vehicle for being present and to stand up for what I believe is possible, particularly during times of challenge and controversy. I stand with a vision to become a better human – a better ancestor – for the generations to come. I stand in these times of challenge and controversy with a passion for what we can do together that can positively and meaningfully impact the greater good for all. My journey of creating space and time to move with others and share stories and histories, to dream together through embodied practice and conversations, affirms that we share more in common that unites us rather than that divides us.
Here's to an ongoing journey that embraces the spirit of Dr. King’s nonviolent action with an eye toward expanding our sense of connectedness and belonging. I stand with the hope of a more connected and inclusive world.
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