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Support for the Black Lives Matter movement is growing in Illinois, and you can tell from the number of signs with that phrase in predominantly white neighborhoods. The Unitarian Church in Evanston recently voted to put a Black Lives Matter banner on their lawn, and they are working with local groups to distribute hundreds of lawn signs throughout the area. (CBS Chicago - 8.12.15)
After the word “Black” was cut from their “Black Lives Matter” banner in July, the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland replaced it within weeks. Now that banner has been vandalized again. The congregation asserts that, in spite of this, they will not back down from their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. (Inside Edition - 8.13.15)
The Rev. Amy Shaw of Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church in Hartland, Wisconsin said her congregation was not surprised when their highly visible “Black Lives Matter” banner was vandalized recently. They know racial justice work is making many white people uncomfortable and they are willing to take that risk. (WISN.com - 8.11.15)
More coverage:
“The ugly message behind erasing ‘Black’ from ‘Black Lives Matter’ signs,” (The Washington Post - 8.6.15)
UU World covered multiple congregations that have placed banners on their property: “Black Lives Matter banner ‘brings out conversation’” (UU World - 6.11.15)
Service Committee history in the spotlight
For 75 years—ever since Martha and Waitsill Sharp began helping refugees escape Nazi persecution—the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) has worked to help oppressed peoples. UUSC President and CEO, the Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, notes that although they are not the largest human rights organization, they have remained steadfast in their mission. (The Christian Science Monitor - 8.7.15)