All our challenges are interconnected. We know, for example that we cannot achieve environmental resiliency without addressing economic inequality. Likewise a justice society cannot be attained while people are systematically excluded for participation in that society. As Dr. King said:
“All I’m saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated, that somehow we’re caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. You can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”
Monica Cosby, who was incarcerated, and is now an advocate for those who have been incarcerated, observes:
“To me, community means something different [from allyship]. Within community, there is shared responsibility and accountability, caring and connection. It is understood that the health, happiness, success, security and stability of the community is directly connected to that of the individuals within it. In community, support is given where needed. Solidarity is lived, not just a word spoken.”
We are inspired by her words. Our Justice initiative is focused on community. The projects we have helped sponsor are around the idea of community. They consist of:
Navigating Barriers to Reentry
Masks for the Masses
Voter Rights Restoration