Living in coronavirusworld 89: How do we even know what's true? Fireworks and barking dogs

6/20 

One Harlem

The day begins with  a visit to the virtual Poor Peoples Campaign March. (https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/).   This was originally supposed to be a march on Washington, inspired by Dr. King’s last campaign. Headed by Rev. Dr. Samuel  Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharris. After opening sermons, there are many testimonies from people all over the country. The may be the largest class based movement in the country.  And a good reminder of the broader issues at stake. 

Celebrations in the Park. 

I walk to Central Park for a family picnic. I have not been home for Fathers Day for years. Thanks to a virtual assembly, here I am. My son has made barbecue ribs. And watermelon. As we talk, the strangeness of our time is with us. How do we even know what's true anymore? When you read about the toppling of statues, George Washington for example wrapped in a flag and set afire, or strangely, even suspiciously, US Grant. Is this overzealous misguided protest or provocation intended to enflame the public and gain  support for the President’s Law and Order? There are massive fireworks in our neighborhood every night. My boys say that in Brooklyn, no one knows how people can get that level of fire power. There are rumors that  it’s NYPD based psych warfare. The fact that we even have these discussions is disturbing. No trust. 

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Governor Cuomo has announced there will no more daily  updates. The curve has been flattened. He expresses hi s pride in New Yorkers. Despite my anger over his handling of the Covid19 situations with homeless people and people in correctional facilities, he has doe a good job. And we have done a good job. We are moving forward.

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Another sign of Black Lives Matter gaining traction: in one day, retrograde  racial icons like Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben and Mrs. Butterworth are all gone. The name Texas Rangers is being protested as their role as violent rascist enforcers is being recognized. Surely names like "Redskins,” “Indians”and “Braves” can not long survive. 

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The Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly reconvenes to elect its co-moderators.  All three pairs are good people, aware of the  challenges confronting church and society and the  need for more diversity.  In the end, Elona Street-Stewart and Gregory Bentley were elected on the first ballot. I do nor know Rev. Bentley but I have known Elder Stewart’s work since we were both young leaders on different Advisory Councils in the ’80’s. She is a seasoned veteran of many struggles who has survived and moved forward with wisdom and integrity. As our first moderator  of Native American ancestry teamed with an African American pastor, we have capable leaders connected to the grassroots for what comes next. At times,I almost feel as if I am in a convention hall at a regular assembly. I can almost see it, feel it. At times.

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The night ends with thunder of fireworks and raucous cacophony of barking dogs.