More than 400 bills with provisions that restrict voting access have been introduced in 49 states in the 2021 legislative sessions. In August, the House passed protections to restore the Voting Rights Act, yet challenges in the Senate abound. NETWORK Lobby and the CSSJ Federation have been encouraging our collective advocacy in support of The John Lewis Voter Rights Act for months, and you can still take action.
The Virtual 10 Days Free from Violence 2021 hosted by Twin Cities Nonviolent in late September, wrapped up its series by awarding their Good Trouble Award to the Rev. Dr. William Barber II. The award video with Rev. Dr. Barber’s comments is below. Before you dismiss this as just another “I’d like to thank the Academy” speech, know that it is so much more (also, learn more about Rev. Dr. Barber below).
First, who is the Rev. Dr. William Barber II and why did he get the Good Trouble Award? A life-long pastor, social justice advocate, and author, he helped relaunch MLK’s Poor People’s Campaign in 2018. Barber has been focused on ending five interlocking injustices: systemic racism, systemic poverty, war economy and militarization, ecological devastation and Christian nationalism by doing M.O.R.E. – mobilizing, organizing, registering voters and educating.
The start of Rev. Barber’s story is reminiscent of the wisdom and boldness of the CSJs. He shares that after paying off the church 22 years ago, they took on new debt to invest in the poor and low wealth members of the community with phenomenal results. He continues with an enlightening yet brief history lesson from the mid 1800’s to today which:
Naming that “voter suppression is a form of violence,” Barber exclaimed, “one of the greatest non-violent things you can do is fight for the full protection of the Voting Rights Act.” He calls on all of us to “call poverty what it is – a form of policy violence.” May we, as a CSJ Community, continue to find ways to support this critical work for justice.
The CSJ community supported the Twin Cities 10 Days Free From Violence again in 2021. Continue to seek peace and nonviolence year round while we look ahead to the 2022 Twin Cities Nonviolent’s 10 Days Free from Violence events.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, condemn all forms of violence, whether rooted in hate, ideology or discrimination. Peace and nonviolence are expressed in the CSJ community’s profound love of God and love of neighbor without distinction. The community in the 2019 St. Paul Province Chapter committed to “promote peace and non-violence.“ The CSJ community has and continues to raise their voice for peace and nonviolence including:
