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Following the results of the U.S. presidential election, the Rev. Ashley Horan, executive director of the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance, started a movement to draw colorful, loving, and inclusive messages in sidewalk chalk around her neighborhood. Messages like “Everyone Welcome,” “We love immigrants,” “Black lives will always matter,” and “Ninguna persona es ilegal” (“No one is illegal”) have popped up and been shared online with #NeighborhoodLoveNotes. “The day after the election I was feeling very upset,” Horan said. “I knew how afraid and hurting everybody was in my community, which is full of queer folks and black and brown folks and immigrants. I needed to do something.” The idea was picked up by UU congregations and other communities across the country, with some churches handing out chalk at their worship services. (Pioneer Press - 11.14.16)
More coverage:
“Twin Cities residents spread love with chalk after election” (Crookston Times - 11.16.16)
“If you want a little positivity, keep your head down” (Minnesota Public Radio News - 11.15.16)
Indiana UUs organize Standing on the Side of Love rally
After students were harassed at school with words about building walls, Malorie Farrington and members of the UU Congregation of Columbus, Indiana, organized a Standing on the Side of Love rally to show support. “People need to know there’s love and peace in the community,” Farrington said. Participants held signs with messages such as “Columbus is Standing on the Side of Love! Hate hurts everyone,” “I Stand for Love” and “Love is Win-Win.” The rally was attended by about 300 people. Similar events and healing worship services have been held across the country since the election. (The Republican - 11.11.16)
More coverage:
“Gathering aims to recognize the oppressed” (Plattsburgh Press Republican - 11.14.16)
“This church offers ‘sanctuary’ to those who feel threatened under a Trump administration” (PRI Public Radio International - 11.14.16)
Towson UU sends message to Black Lives Matter banner vandal
Stephen F. Brown-Pearn of the Towson UU Church in Towson, Maryland, wrote a response to the person who vandalized the congregation’s Black Lives Matter banner, explaining what the message means and the process the church went through to decide to display it. “My preference is not a war but a dialogue. I know that I need to understand what you were thinking when you did this. And I wish to let you know what motivated us,” Brown-Pearn said. This is not the first time the banner has been vandalized since it was installed. The incidents were reported to the police, and the congregation will replace the banner. (Baltimore Brew - 11.14.16)
More coverage:
“Towson congregation’s Black Lives Matter sign repeatedly vandalized” (Baltimore Sun - 11.11.16)