The Racial Justice Coalition unveiled a new campaign called Reparations Are Due.Our goal is simple: to show that there is broad multiracial support for Reparations in Asheville and Buncombe County.Do you support the local Reparations process? If so, you can show your support by signing our Reparations Are Due Pledge here.We have set a goal to attain 5,000 signatures on this Pledge by July 1 – We hope you and your circles will sign, achieving this goal with us.
Some background: In 2020, both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County apologized to Black community members for hundreds of years of harm they had caused or allowed. Our local Community Reparations Commission (CRC) has taken up the challenge of defining how the City and County should make amends for these harms. Recognizing just how hard that task was going to be, the RJC went all-in on Every Black Voice, our campaign to ensure that the Commission gets meaningful input from local Black community members to help guide their essential work. Every Black Voice remains our top priority, and we’re now launching a second campaign – The Reparations Are Due Campaign – to demonstrate the depth and breadth of community support for the Reparations process.
We gathered together over a hundred of our supporters last night to outline the rationale and purpose of the campaign and invite them to sign a Pledge of their support. We premiered an exciting new video produced by our teammate sparrow, went through some important local history, and then shared the content of the Pledge. A link to sparrow’s video, highlights from the call, and the full call (along with the Pledge) are all at the Reparations Are Due campaign page, in case you missed this launch event and/or want to share it with friends and fellow supporters. NOTE: This page has various informative videos).
The Community Reparations Commission (CRC) will soon be sending the City Council and County Commission a collection of recommendations. The City and County have affirmed their intention to follow the CRC’s leadership. However, if the CRC’s recommendations are appropriately bold in scope, they’re likely to encounter some resistance. Now is the time to let the CRC and our local government leaders know that this community supports deep and meaningful Reparations. We invite you to check out the Pledge today, and to share it with others so that we can meet our goal of 5,000 signatures by July 1. Together, we can and will continue to build this movement for collective liberation.
The NC General Assembly overrode Gov. Cooper’s Veto of SB20. The law will take effect July 1st. THANK YOU to all who have taken action over these last few weeks to beat this bill. It’s a heartbreaking loss, and we will continue to advocate for abortion healthcare. The Reproductive Justice Advocates at UU Avl meet via zoom May 30 at 7pm. Contact Rev. Claudia faithdev@uuasheville.org for the link.
What can you do? If you are in the position to do so, please consider doing an urgent Share the Plate or other invitation to donate to our trusted partners, Carolina Abortion Fund. CAF operates a confidential, toll free helpline that provides financial, practical, and emotional support to callers in North and South Carolina trying to access abortion care. They serve all callers regardless of gender identity, race, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, ability, place of origin, citizenship, and all other physical or social defining factors. You can Donate Here.
In just 48 hours last week, anti-abortion lawmakers in the NC General Assembly introduced and passed a monster abortion ban. This bill bans abortion after 12 weeks, puts further limits on medication abortion, mandates 3 in-person visits for abortion care, and so much more. It is full of medically unnecessary, political, and spiteful restrictions on abortion care, and it’s now on the Governor’s desk.
Governor Cooper has promised to veto this bill, and our focus is ensuring there is a path to upholding his veto. Below are three actions you can take today to protect abortion access in North Carolina.
1) Contact the Governor to thank him for his promise to veto SB20!
His office needs to know that there is opposition to this bill from thousands of people around the state.
Sample script: “My name is ___________, and I live in CITY . I am calling today to thank Governor Cooper for speaking out against the monster abortion ban, Senate Bill 20, which was rushed through the legislature with no notice and little public input. Abortion care is part of reproductive health care and maternal care, and it should be treated as such. Politicians have no business inserting themselves into healthcare decisions. The restrictions on this bill will fall hardest on those who already have the least access to healthcare. I oppose this new monster abortion ban and I strongly urge Governor Cooper to veto it!”
2) Write a letter to the editor!
The bill sponsors know banning abortion is not popular with North Carolinians, which is why they crafted this ban behind closed doors and rushed it through the process. The sponsors are insisting that this bill has the support of people in our state, but we know that it is not true! We need to make sure as many people as possible know the truth about this bill and to demonstrate that majority of people in our state support abortion access and oppose this bill.
In addition to banning abortion after 12 weeks, the bill also puts barriers in place to make it more difficult for patients to seek out care, especially if they have to travel far to a clinic.
This monster ban is unworkable for medical providers. This is extreme and dangerous government overreach into the practice of medicine.
Abortion care is a common part of reproductive healthcare, and restricting this care further will have impacts throughout the healthcare system, as we’ve already seen in other states.
The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, by Mary Pipher. This book offers much opportunity for discussion of accepting the climate crisis and developing a healthy response, resilience, and personal/collective approaches for helping. Mary Pipher is a UU and therapist; her other books include Reviving Ophelia, The Shelter of Each Other, and Another Country.
Meet in person on Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:45 am, in the 23 Edwin Parlor or Meet on Zoom on Monday evenings, 7-8:15 pm (contact Sunita for zoom link sunitapatterson@gmail.com)
You’re welcome to do in person some weeks and Zoom other weeks. Here are the sections to read: May 7/8: Introduction/Section 1, Trauma May 21/22: Section 2, Denial June 4/5: Section 3, Awareness to Action June 25/26: Section 4, Resilient Coping July 9/10: Section 5, The Transcendent Response
Justice Ministry Film Night Friday, May 12 7pm Zoom
ABOUT THE FILM
In our angry, polarized time, Americans are looking for positive inspiration. The story of Stewart Udall brings audiences such inspiration and more. No American political figure is as relevant to the issues we face today as a nation–learning to work together, achieving racial and environmental justice, improving international relations, enhancing beauty and the arts, alleviating climate change and moving toward sustainability–as Stewart Udall.
“It beckons us all to public service, informs us on how we came to benefit from the conservation we so enjoy, and, perhaps above all, teaches us the power of persistence and a smile. Don’t miss this masterpiece.” Gus Speth, Director, United Nations Development Program, Former Dean, Yale School of Forestry and Environment
“STEWART UDALL is a visually stunning journey through US environmental history. The film is a captivating story that intertwines US history, politics, tribal policy, and environmental justice and activism.” Yolanda Cieters, Sustainability Manager, Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, Seattle University
“STEWART UDALL: The Politics of Beauty is beautiful, sad, joyous, contemplative, radical, thoughtful, challenging, and full of hope! One person can make a difference and Stewart Udall made a difference in so many ways!” Shelton Johnson, Ranger, Yosemite National Park
Note: This film will be shown on Zoom only. If you wish to view the film, request a link from Charlie Wussow at mnpopi@icloud.com.
There will be a guided discussion after the screening of the film
Paula Cole Jones has agreed to offer her “Building a Culture of Inclusion” Workshopvirtually, to UU Congregations across North Carolina this spring! SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, May 27th from 10:00am – 2:00pm, for this four-hour workshop that will cover strategic steps to multicultural change. Paula will guide us through actions we can take to embrace the spiritual, cultural, and structural aspects of moving more fully into our vision of the Beloved Community through the lens of 8th Principle work. Whether your congregation is voting on the 8th Principle this June or otherwise working to dismantle oppression and deepen your commitment to inclusion, this workshop is for you!!!
Other ways to stay engaged with the 8th Principle Movement
Join the National 8th Principle Learning Community Monthly Gatherings!If you are interested in participating, email Paula Cole Jones at pcolejonesoffice@gmail.com
Join the 8th Principle Learning Community Facebook Group via this link.
UU Justice NC Call to Action – Tell your State Rep & Senator to Vote NO on HB 673 – The Ban on Drag Performances
Last week, NC lawmakers filed HB 673, a drag ban that would make drag performances illegal on public property or in the presence of anyone under the age of 18. A first-time violation of this law would be considered a misdemeanor, and a second offense, a felony. The bill joins a slew of other anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently in the legislature and a few more filed last week, including two more gender-affirming care bans (HB 808, HB 786) and another license to discriminate in healthcare (HB 819).
Hi, my name is _______, I am a person of faith and one of your constituents.
I am calling in regards to the onslaught of discriminatory and cruel anti-LGBTQ+ legislation moving through the General Assembly this spring.
And specifically, I want to urge Sen. ____ / Rep. _____ to vote against HB 673, the bill that would make drag performances illegal on public property or in the presence of anyone under the age of 18. Drag performances are an important part of queer culture and a form of art expression. Drag bans are yet another strategy to restrict gender expression and attack the LGBTQ community.
I join others across the state in asking the General Assembly to focus on real issues like fully funding the Leandro education plan and increasing the state minimum wage (feel free to name other issues you care about).
Every day, after a UU Adopter fills the pantry, it is empty a few hours later. There is such a need for food in our community. Even if you have not signed up as a Sustainer, please give when possible. There is a bin in Sandburg Hall or the left cabinet outside at the back entrance of UU to drop contributions off. What is most appreciated always are pop-top canned meals, water, and fruit/applesauce in containers. If you have any questions, or want to get more involved in this project, email Anita Feldman at anitasfeldman@gmail.com .
Justice Ministry Film Night Friday, April 14, 7pm Zoom
ABOUT THE FILM
Today, humanity’ s demand for resources vastly exceeds nature’ s ability to supply them. Food, water, climate and extinction emergencies are unfolding before our eyes. 8 B I LL ION ANGELS tells the truth about the conflict between the size of our global population and the sustainability of our planet. It dispels the misperceptions that technology can save us, that reducing consumption is the only answer, and that the blame lies solely in the developing world. Using breathtaking cinematography and startling emotion, the film takes the viewer on an immersive and emotional journey into the lives of farmers, fisherman, and others as they witness an unfolding global crisis and inspires real solutions toward lasting sustainability and a better quality of l i fe for al l Earth’ inhabitants.
Note: This film will be shown on Zoom only. If you wish to view the film, request a link from Charlie Wussow at mnpopi@icloud.com.
There will be a guided discussion after the screening of the film
In 2023 alone, the ACLU has tracked 434 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. with many of them directly attacking Trans youth. No bills, laws, or state oppressors will stop us from being who we are and loving each other through it all! Tranzmission and Youth OUTright invite you to join us this weekend to stand in solidarity with Trans youth. Protect Trans Youth: Rally & Potluck, Saturday, April 1, 1-3 PM, Pack Square, Asheville
Folks of all ages are welcome. Bring a dish, a picnic blanket, a game, or just your beautiful self. To make the event more accessible, please bring a mask and be mindful of COVID safety when sharing food. We look forward to being in community with you!
Sunday, March 26, 2023 11am
Rev. Cathy Harrington, Interim Lead Minister
This Sunday marks the formal conclusion of the Annual Giving Drive. We will welcome new members as we celebrate with gratitude UU Asheville’s “being and becoming” with lots of music, a skit, and fun. Following the service, there will be food, games, more music, and fellowship!
Every day, after a UU Adopter fills the pantry, it is empty a few hours later. There is such a need for food in our community. Even if you have not signed up as a Sustainer, please give when possible. There is a bin in Sandburg Hall or the left cabinet outside at the back entrance of UU to drop contributions off. What is most appreciated always are pop-top canned meals, water, and fruit/applesauce in containers. If you have any questions, or want to get more involved in this project, email Anita Feldman at anitasfeldman@gmail.com .
Have you heard about the Article II study? Did you know the wording of the 7 Principles & 6 Sources are in the process of change? The Article II Study Commission has completed its two-year study. They submitted their report (PDF, 26 pages) to the UUA Board of Trustees at their January meeting. Join us for an informal conversation this Thursday, March 16 at noon in Sandburg Hall (bring a bagged lunch) or at 7 pm via zoom (link in the e-News March 15) on the Study Commission’s recommended revisions to Article II. Facilitator: Rev. Claudia
Join Revs. Cathy and Claudia for an opportunity to discuss books that invite us into conversations about challenging issues. We will meet at noon in Sandburg Hall (bring a bagged lunch) or join us viaZoom at 7:00 PM. Contact Rev. Claudia for the link faithdev@uuasheville.org
When? Thursday, March 2 What? “Embracing Discomfort” Book Study: Sing, Unburied, Sing, by Jesmyn Ward
Future Meetings
May 4 On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
Fall Dates TBA Mistakes and Miracles by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin
Justice Ministry Film Night, Friday, February 10, 7pm
Streets of Dreams
Streets of Dreams tells the stories of grassroots activists in communities of color around the U.S. who are using community land trusts (CLTs) to preserve the affordability of their homes, prevent displacement and shape the future of their communities.
Arc of Justice
Arc of Justice traces the remarkable journey of New Communities, Inc. (NCI) in southwest Georgia, a story of racial justice, community organizing, and perseverance in the face of enormous obstacles. NCI was created in 1969 in Albany, Georgia by leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, including Congressman John Lewis, and Charles and Shirley Sherrod, to help secure economic independence for African American families. For 15 years, NCI cooperatively farmed nearly 6,000 acres, the largest tract of land in the United States owned by African Americans at the time, but racist opposition prevented them from implementing plans to build 500 affordable homes as part of their community land trust.
Unable to secure government loans to cope with the impact of successive years of drought, NCI lost the land to foreclosure in 1985. But 25 years later it was given new life.
Reparations
Reparations explores the four-century struggle to seek repair and atonement for slavery in the United States. Black and Asian Americans reflect on the legacy of slavery, the inequities that persists, and the critical role that solidarity between communities has in acknowledging and addressing systemic racism in America. This story is told by Black and Asian Americans who believe that our collective liberation can only be achieved by standing with one another. Reparations seeks to raise awareness of the Black reparations struggle and how vital it is to healing this country.
Note:This film will be shown on Zoom Only. If you intend to view the film on Zoom, send a request for the link to Charlie Wussow by Thursday, February 9.
There will be a discussion after the screening of the filmruntime: 68 minutes
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, One Edwin Place, Asheville, NC 28801 There is no charge for viewing the film
30 Days of Love 2023! Side with Love’s annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice, 30 Days of Love will go from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16) through Valentine’s Day (February 14). This year’s 30 Days of Love is a love letter to our whole beloved community – families, religious professionals, partners and communities that embody our values and work for justice and liberation year round. Each week will feature a spiritual theme overlapping with one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities, and we’ll share an array of offerings to help nourish your spirit and give gratitude and affirmation. Learn More Here
Saturday January 14 – Dr. MLK, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 am at the Crowne Plaza Resort. We are not purchasing tickets for tables this year, but individuals are encouraged to attend. There is more information, and you can buy tickets at http://mlkasheville.org/
Sunday January 15 – UU Asheville 9:30 AM All Ages making posters for the rally; Service at 11:00 am with homilies by Religious Educator, Kim Collins and Rev. Claudia Jiménez centering on the legacy of Dr. King.
Monday January 16 – Dr. MLK, Jr. Peace Walk and Rally. Meet at 11:30 am at St. James AME Church for a 0.4-mile walk to the rally in Pack Square Park. UU Asheville participates in this event every year and this year it will be a yellow shirt brigade event.
Those attending the Peace Walk can also bring nonperishable food items to the collection site at St. James AME Church before the walk. The food will be distributed between Manna Food Bank and the East End Valley Street Neighborhood Food Pantry.
Join Revs. Cathy and Claudia for an opportunity to discuss novels (and an anthology) that invite us into covenanted, deep listening conversations about challenging issues. We will meet at noon in Sandburg Hall (bring a bagged lunch) or join us viaZoom (link in the e-News) at 7:00 PM.
When? Thursday, March 2
What? “Embracing Discomfort” Book Study: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Future meetings May 4 On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
What has been happening with the recommendations from the Racial Justice Advisory Council – RJAC? They are not collecting electronic dust! The board has approved the recommendations and identified stakeholders responsible for making each of them happen. The Justice Ministry Council has been charged to be an accountability partner so that the recommendations are fulfilled. Currently, the top recommendations being worked on are
1. Education about the 8th Principle in preparation for the vote to adopt the 8th Principle at the June 2023 Congregational Meeting.
Stakeholder: 8th Principle Team and congregation. Please participate in the 8th Principle Learning Circles being offered by the various groups and committees of the congregation. Of course, that means lay leaders have said “yes” to hosting them. We need all of us to make this happen!
2. Identifying a consultant to provide an Equity Audit of our policies, procedures and governance model. This will apparently be the first time a UU congregation has such an audit. Yeah, UU Asheville!
Stakeholder: The board has asked board member Mary Alm and Rev. Claudia Jiménez, Justice Ministry lead, to identify, interview and recommend consultants who will provide proposals for board consideration.
Racial Justice Advisory Council (RJAC) Report: What’s that?
We strive to become a radically inclusive and welcoming congregation as we are called to do if UUism is to be the liberatory faith it can be. This work started with an internal assessment led by a board-appointed small team of congregants working in partnership with our Minister of Faith Development, Rev. Claudia Jiménez. Their learnings and recommendations known as the RJAC Report were shared with the congregation and the board. One of the top recommendations was to engage the congregation in learning about the proposed 8th Principle which aligns with the work of liberation. The 8th Principle Team was formed and is actively hosting Learning Circles, tabling on Sundays and exploring other ways to prepare the congregation to vote in the June congregational meeting to adopt the 8th Principle. They are creating space for all to discuss hope, fears and dreams as we consider this important vote.
The Proposed 8th Principle:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
WHAT IS BELOVED COMMUNITY?
Beloved Community happens when people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, class, gender, abilities, sexual orientation backgrounds/identities come together in an interdependent relationship of love, mutual respect, and care that seeks to realize justice within the community and in the broader world.
We need your voice! Join us onDecember 5th, at 6pm ESTasUU the Vote Calls Georgiafor thefinal timebefore the Georgia Runoff Election Day. If you have never phone banked before, we will train you! The phone banking system is easy to use and you’ll have a great time calling with fellow UUs. Sign up below!
“It Ain’t Over!” UU the Vote Runoff Update Thursday, November 17, 2022 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM ET What is going on in Georgia? How can I get involved? What in the world is a runoff anyway? What about our Good Trouble Congregations? Sign up to hear the answers to these questions and more! Register Here
Change is coming to our denominational documents. The section that houses our UU Principles, sources, purposes and statements of belief and inclusion is being revised. Check out this document which explains the process and has a link to the proposed changes. As you read, I invite you to reflect on these questions: How does it make you feel? What do think about the recommended changes? What feedback do you have? There are opportunities to share your feedback via a a Google form. The form closes Nov. 28. I will be hosting a bagged lunch discussion to discuss the proposal in person Sunday, Nov. 27 (not Nov 30) at 12:30 in person and at 7 PM via Zoom. Details will be in the e-news. Please consider attending.
Join Revs. Cathy and Claudia for an opportunity to discuss novels (and an anthology) that invite us into covenanted, deep listening conversations about challenging issues. When? 1st Thursday NOON Bagged Lunch (Sandburg Hall) and 7PM Zoom (link in the e-News)
Dec 1There There by Tommy Orange
Jan 5Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, edited by Saraciea J. Fennell
March 2 Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
May 4 On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong (tentative book)
ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6 bring your donations to the service at 11am to support the UU Asheville/BeLoved Pantry. What we need are unexpired & non-perishable pop-top meals in a can!
For more information on BeLoved and to sign up as a volunteer, contact Jim Gamble.
If you would like to know more about the Pantry Project, contact Anita Feldman.
As part of our congregation’s ongoing support of BeLoved Asheville— a local nonprofit focused on lifting up fellow community members most in need — we are providing UU volunteer opportunities to help BeLoved build small homes for our neighbors who otherwise cannot afford “affordable housing.” The BeLoved Village project is an innovative way to enable people earning approximately 30% of area median income (AMI) afford a home while building equity and community—so needed here in the Asheville area where rental rates are the highest in the state. Regardless of skills or experience, there are ways for everyone—adults and youth—to contribute their time and energy to this vital community project. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, contact Jim Gamble.
Another project UU has initiated with BeLoved is the Pantry Project. UU congregants and friends have been supplying and filling our pantry on Charlotte Street every day since December. If you would like to know more, contact Anita Feldman.
Mexico and the United States crack down on the trails north, forcing immigrants into more dangerous territory. Told against the backdrop of the North American migrant trail, ‘Border South’ weaves together migrant stories of resilience and survival from different vantage points. The film exposes a global migration system that renders human beings invisible in life as well as death.
“Gut-wrenching intimacy…BORDER SOUTH personifies the statistics of failed U.S. immigration policy.” Dr. Peter Laufer, Chair, Journalism, University of Oregon
“Compassionate…Vivid…We receive the message strongly that these are ordinary people expected to do extraordinary things…This is skillful film-making, not to present the migrants as heroes, but just as people with mundane plans and dreams like the rest of us.”
Charlie Phillips, The Guardian
Note:This film will be shown on Zoom Only. If you intend to view the film on Zoom, send a request for the link to Charlie Wussow by Thursday, October 13th.
There will be a discussion after the screening of the filmruntime: 87 minutes
Justice Ministry Film Night Friday, October 14th, 7 PM Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville One Edwin Place, Asheville, NC 28801 There is no charge for viewing the film Donations are welcome
Save the Date: UU the Vote All Ages Postcard Project- October 9, 9:30AM (Before Service) We are partnering with 22 UU Congregations in NC to mail, 27,000 postcards to infrequent registered voters of the Global Majority in Cabarrus County. This is one of the three counties that will be pivotal in maintaining abortion access in our state. Thank you to all who have already claimed postcards and to all who will join us October 9. Gracias!!!And as a reminder, please make sure that all postcards are completed and put in the mail no sooner than October 14th and within a few days after that date.
Moore v. Harper Supreme Court Case – The next major challenge to American democracy comes from North Carolina. Experts say an extreme interpretation of the Constitution by the Supreme Court in North Carolina’s Moore v. Harper redistricting case would make it even easier for state legislatures to suppress the vote, draw gerrymandered election districts, and subvert election results, among other concerns. You may not know that the “Harper” in the case isBecky Harper, a UU from Raleigh! Below are opportunities to learn more about this important case directly from Common Cause NC, a lead plaintiff in the case.
Wednesday, September 28th at 7:30pmon Zoom hosted by the UU Church of Hillsborough. Register here.
Friday, October 14th at 11:00amat UU Justice NC’s Friday Action Hour. Zoom Link.
Carolina Jews & UUs Faith in Action Phonebank in Partnership with the New North Carolina Project Foundation.Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 from September 15th through November 3rd. UU Justice NC is teaming up with Carolina Jews for Justice to co-host this weekly Get Out the Vote phonebank in the run up to the midterm elections. We’ll be calling voters of the Global Majority across North Carolina empowering and equipping them to Vote Love and Defeat Hate. Register Here
Our UU Congregation adopted the 14th BeLoved Pantry on December 5, 2021, the first that has been adopted by an outside organization. BeLoved is a local nonprofit focused on lifting up fellow community members most in need. The Street Pantries placed throughout Buncombe County in boxes donated by Mountain Xpress, provide easy 24/7 access to supplies near where people in need live or gather. UU congregants and friends have been supplying and filling our pantry on Charlotte Street every day since December. We know it is well appreciated by our neighbors because it empties every day. We can use your help!! Sustainers donate items once a month to the bin that is outdoors at the back entrance of the UU building. Adopters get donations from the bin and fill the pantry with them once a month. For information on how to get involved email Anita Feldman at anitasfeldman@gmail.com .
As part of our congregation’s ongoing support of BeLoved Asheville we are providing UU volunteer opportunities to help BeLoved build small homes for our neighbors who otherwise cannot afford “affordable housing.” The BeLoved Village project is an innovative way to enable people earning approximately 30% of area median income (AMI) afford a home while building equity and community—so needed here in the Asheville area where rental rates are the highest in the state. Regardless of skills or experience, there are ways for everyone—adults and youth—to contribute their time and energy to this vital community project. For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, contact Jim Gamble at jamesgamble89@gmail.com
Friday, October 14, 7pm In person and on Zoom ABOUT THE FILM
Mexico and the United States crack down on the trails north, forcing immigrants into more dangerous territory. Told against the backdrop of the North American migrant trail, ‘Border South’ weaves together migrant stories of resilience and survival from different vantage points. The film exposes a global migration system that renders human beings invisible in life as well as death.
“Gut-wrenching intimacy…BORDER SOUTH personifies the statistics of failed U.S. immigration policy.” Dr. Peter Laufer, Chair, Journalism, University of Oregon
“Compassionate…Vivid…We receive the message strongly that these are ordinary people expected to do extraordinary things…This is skillful film-making, not to present the migrants as heroes, but just as people with mundane plans and dreams like the rest of us.”
Charlie Phillips, The Guardian
Note:This film may be viewed in Sandburg Hall OR on Zoom. Viewers in Sandburg Hall MUST wear masks. If you intend to view the film on Zoom, send a request for the link to Charlie Wussow by Thursday, October 13th.
There will be a discussion after the screening of the filmruntime: 87 minutes
Justice Ministry Film Night Friday, October 14th, 7 PM Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville One Edwin Place, Asheville, NC 28801 There is no charge for viewing the film Donations are welcome
Thursday, August 18, from 7pm – 8:30pm. Join UU Justice NC and our statewide partners Pro-Choice NC and The Carolina Abortion Fund for this special event. We’ll hear analysis about the current state of abortion rights in NC and the stakes of the mid-term elections, learn how we can support our state and local reproductive justice partners, and review the brand new Repro Justice resources developed by our national Side With Love Team for UU congregations. Register Here.