On May 25 over 250 people gathered at McIntosh Park for a celebration of Love, Unity, Peace and Inclusion. Led by the NAACP, more than 30 groups signed on for the event representing Muslims, Jews, Native Americans, numerous Christian denominations, anti-gun groups, LGBTQ groups, local businesses and more. May 26 saw a religious and cultural gathering held on Court House Square to hold a cleansing ceremony where the 9 KKK members had gathered the previous day. The talks and prayers all focused on the fact that in truth we are one people who are strongest when we stand together in our diversity.
Hate and fear are strangers to the ways of love. Identify with hate and fear, and you will be a stranger to yourself. Love is who we are, it is our true identity. Hate cannot coexist with love. The experience of love, unity, peace and inclusion demonstrated by the Dayton community was truly impactful.
Over the course of the entire experience, the Living Beatitudes Community had participants at every event. Members expressed their delight at participating in the wonderful diversity of Dayton. I was fortunate to give the opening remarks at the May 25 gathering, releasing my white doves to kick off the celebration. The sight of the crowd allowed us to appreciate the rainbow of who we are. It was an incredibly powerful experience, a holy instant in which we could see the presence of the divine. I am strongest when I acknowledge and accept this diversity, acknowledging who I am, a child of God. It is then I can recognize I am surrounded by other children of God in many shapes and forms.
The challenge I took away from the weekend was that I need to look beyond myself every day. I cannot allow myself to feel secure when there is there is real separation and discrimination existing, denying the richness of our diversity. I need to ask myself, why does it take the KKK to come into town for me to become active in the fight for justice and equity? How easy it is for me to settle back and not see the needs that surround me that keep me separated. I was challenged to speak up against the systemic structures that exist today supporting separation and discrimination. To quote Daniel Berrigan, “The difference between doing something and doing nothing is everything.” If I am aware, I will know that to be doing something to grow love, peace, unity and inclusion in my community. My having a greater awareness will make all the difference in the world.