Update, Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Message From Faith In Action East Bay
Community,
As I reflect on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a standard for justice, civil rights, and the Constitution of the United States of America, I hear the echo of the voice of a another stalwart in the long journey of creating a more perfect union, Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer. It was Fannie Lou Hamer, freedom fighter from Mississippi, who stood in the Democratic Party National Convention in 1964, and asked “Is this America?” A nation whose founding documents contained the values of equality and justice for all? She wanted to challenge this nation to live out the true meaning of the words articulated in the Constitution, which stated that the people would play a central role in creating the process, and conditions, whereby America would be America for all of its citizens. Justice Bader Ginsburg was a champion of that vision until her dying day. We honor her memory for her sacrifice and the depth of her integrity and her commitment.
Now, we wonder if our politicians will stand by the vision which was shared in the constitution of a land which cared for all of its people. In addition, we wonder whether our political leaders will keep their word.
I want to also say to our leaders and our friends, the final conclusion has not been written. This is just a comma along the way to a full stop. We must continue to fight all of the way, in the tradition of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Fannie Lou Hamer. It ain’t over till it’s over!
If this moment means anything, it means that we, as people of faith, whose vision is shaped by deep grounding in our convictions and rooted in creating a just society where equity for all is a hallmark of our lives, must act. It means that we must get out the vote. We challenge everyone to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE in what now appears to be the most consequential election of our time.
Join us these next 48 days in our phone banking efforts as we educate our community, encourage our people to register to vote, and to VOTE. Let us encourage all of our families and our friends to turn out, and vote. As Congressman John Lewis so eloquently said, “Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we call the Beloved Community…Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.” If we don’t vote, we can lose our democracy!
Faith in Action East Bay, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is non-partisan, and does not endorse candidates. We have an integrated voter engagement program designed to empower our families and communities to vote and create change. Our leaders and staff have a 5-day a week phone banking effort that is open to all of you. We will train you, and coach you in reaching out to our neighbors to get registered and vote.
In this time, we need your commitment and we need your help, to be a volunteer phone banker with us, as we create a new world together. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our office at (510) 436-9039, or email us at info@fiaeastbay.org
Let us be up and doing!
Your servant!
Dr. George C.L. Cummings
Regional Executive Director
Faith in Action East Bay
5001 Foothill Blvd
Oakland, CA 94601-5329
LABC’s Vote 2020 Justice Jam is 6:30-8:00 p.m., Wednesday September 30th