Movement Music

01 Jan 2025 1 Comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Minorities, Social Justice, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

I haven’t posted in a while, but I wanted to start the New Year with some helpful and encouraging thoughts. The Unity Process that I created takes a small diverse group through 9 sessions geared towards helping them to be able to develop relationships across all the divides in our society. I offer you music that matches those sessions.

Sessions 1-3 have participants looking inward on their socialization around race and other dividers. This helps participants realize their own biases and stereotypes, so they won’t be obstacles in building relationships. The music for these sessions – Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson – We first need to deal with ourselves and our stuff and then reach out to others.

Sessions 4-6 have participants learn how to engage in healthy conversations around race and other dividers. If we can’t have healthy conversations, then how can we build relationships? They also learn how to lead a small group in having healthy conversations. The music for these sessions – What’s Going On? by Marvin Gaye. and Where is the Love? by Black Eyed Peas. They are discovery songs like the sessions and talks about bringing love and understanding and love and peace.

Sessions 7-9 participants get to practice by leading the group in discussion on a topic of their choice. Participants learn that it takes all of us working together. The music for these sessions – We Are the World by USA for Africa – This song speaks to our connectedness but also to the state of some people’s lives, but collectively, we can make things better.

I have some bonus songs for you to listen to – One Love by Bob Marley, Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Black or White by Michael Jackson, and Imagine by John Lennon. I hope this encourages you to get together and feel all right. Lean on Me is my encouragement to reach out to me if you need someone to talk to, if you need resources, or anything else. I am here to help you imagine a new world and a new United States.

I hope you are inspired in this new year and beyond to take care of ‘the least of these’, as the Bible refers to those in need, and to help usher in love, peace, healing, and unity in every way that you can. The work may seem momentous but if we come together and collectively work toward love, peace, understanding, healing, and unity, it will be easier.

On Behalf of My Sisters in Afghanistan

30 Oct 2023 Leave a comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , ,

I recently attended the Othering and Belonging Conference that was held in Berlin, Germany. One of the panels informed on Gender Justice. During the audience questions, a young lady from Afghanistan asked why no one was helping the Afghan women. My heart immediately felt for these women who are so oppressed and restricted in their country.

I woke up the next night with the following thoughts:

I would first suggest for Afghan men to do a fresh reading of the Quran to determine how much of the treatment of women today actually matches with the Quran. I have not read the Quran, but I have read the Bible and I know that some things that have been set up as the Christian thing to do, does not line up with the Bible.

Next, consider if your young women and girls are leaving the country and culture, that all you will be left with are women too old to produce children. The question to ask is do you want to make changes so that women and girls will stay, and your country and culture will survive. If not, you will be responsible for the annihilation of your culture and people.

The choice is yours. People are starting and will continue to help Afghan women and girls. They will continue to leave unless things change.

Do You See What I See?

14 Jul 2023 4 Comments

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Minorities, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

What follows is part of an article on the website for the Harvard Business Review (https://hbr.org/2016/11/why-diverse-teams-are-smarter).

Striving to increase workplace diversity is not an empty slogan — it is a good business decision. A 2015 McKinsey report on 366 public companies found that those in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean, and those in the top quartile for gender diversity were 15% more likely to have returns above the industry mean.

In a global analysis of 2,400 companies conducted by Credit Suisse, organizations with at least one female board member yielded higher return on equity and higher net income growth than those that did not have any women on the board.

In recent years a body of research has revealed another, more nuanced benefit of workplace diversity: nonhomogenous teams are simply smarter. Working with people who are different from you may challenge your brain to overcome its stale ways of thinking and sharpen its performance. Let’s dig into why diverse teams are smarter.

You might wonder where I am going with this, so I’ll tell you.

If workplace diversity equals better products and increased company performance, then I suggest the same could be said for communities, cities, and yes, even countries. While the recent events from the Supreme Court seem to not model the concept of diversity = progress, I think it does show how flawed our society has become.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Are you seeing what I am seeing? If you are seeing the push on all the gains that have been accomplished for impoverished people and BIPOC/LGBTQ+ (B&L), then yes, you are. If you think that all of this will magically go away, then just look at US history. Many B&L advocated, protested, and even died for all these rights and privileges that are now being stripped away.

How far back are you willing to let this slide before you speak and do something to counteract this unhealthy wave? Will it be too late? Too late for what?

  • Too late for our nation to be a true democracy?
  • Too late to accomplish healing and unity for all?
  • Too late to avert another civil war?

I’m not trying to scare anyone but seeing all the things that we have witnessed over the past several years has me scared. I am scared for mine and other B&L families. An example:

There is a black dad and a white mom who have had several children. The mom does not understand all about the experiences of growing up as ‘the other’ in the US. Thus, she raises her children as she was raised. She is overprotective and lax in discipline. Her children will soon find out that while their mom is white, society sees them as black. They will be ridiculed, held to a harsher standard, and punished more severely. If involved in a fight, they will be expelled while the white student will be sent back to class. Their lax and protective upbringing will not have prepared them to stand up for themselves, to fight for justice and to stand proud.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Our nation’s future prosperity, vitality, and unity depend upon America becoming a truly healthy multiracial democracy — an aspiration that requires racial equity and diversity in higher education, housing, prison reform, and every system in our society. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, my foundation will not waver in my commitment to those making the nation’s high ideals a reality for all communities and all people.

If you have been a previous participant, you know we have had some great conversations. Now it is time to put into practice what we have learned. Beginning this fall, we will periodically go on outings as a group so that we can model for others what healthy diversity can look like.

Examples of outings (Some of these events will be followed by discussion.):

  • Eat at different restaurants in different parts of town.
  • Go to movie or theater.
  • Go to community events.
  • Go on a Dallas black tour.
  • Go on a Dallas regular history tour if there is one.

I would love to have you join us whenever you are available. Also, I would love your suggestions for events.

Doctor Pam

Let’s Hold America Accountable

25 Mar 2022 1 Comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized, Working and Preparing, Workshops Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

When there are no consequences with children for their bad deeds and decisions, they never learn. They will do worse or just keep repeating the same bad deeds and making the same bad decisions. The US has never had to be held accountable for its bad deeds and decisions in regards to slavery and Jim Crow. Yes, I am comparing our country to a child. In many ways, the US acts like a spoiled child that thinks they don’t have to play by the rules, they can bully those who don’t agree, or do what they want to get their way. It’s the same with the Police, but that’s another post all by itself.

To Hispanics, I say,

If the US had paid reparations for slavery and Jim Crow, they would have thought twice before separating your families at the border. They are repeating the same bad deeds.

To other oppressed groups and poor whites, I say,

If we don’t collectively help to unite all Americans and hold America accountable for previous and current misdeeds, there are any number of afflictions that will come your way as the upper echelons seek to narrow who is worthy. The manipulation of who is allowed to vote is just the beginning. Historically, voter suppression inhibited the black vote but also the voting of poor whites and all women. Through voter suppression they can pass the laws they want to and that benefits them.

To everyone, I say,

Let’s all do our part to make America a true Democracy, where all are united in the midst of our glorious diversity. Oh, how beautiful we will be when we come together and value the contributions of one another and each is allowed to thrive and grow. How marvelous it will be when all can use their gifts and talents to help make our country better and all children can realize their potential. It breaks my heart to see all this division, hate, judgment, and criticism.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact me. I’ll be glad to have a conversation with you to explore what it is you can do with your gifts and talents.

I Implore You!

04 Mar 2022 1 Comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized, Working and Preparing, Workshops Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

People fleeing Ukraine were told women and children first. What they really should have said was, ‘Caucasian women and children first.’ When African women and children boarded the trains that would take them to safety, soldiers removed them. Apparently, their lives were not valuable enough to be equated with ‘real’ Ukrainians. In a time of war, it seems amazing that we would still take the time to allow our prejudice, devaluing, and hate to impact who gets safe passage and who does not.

Some of the Africans were immigrants, some were students, and some were residents of Ukraine – but none have a way out of the country. As I was listening to this story, someone said, “Black people are always expected to care about and feel compassion for everyone else, but no one cares about or feels compassion for us. Yes, we would like to help the Ukrainians, the Afghans, Asians, LGBTQ, and everyone else. However, it gets harder and harder to even want to help others and feel compassion for them when they won’t help those who look like us.

There is always a group that is placed before us – women, LGBTQ, other BIPOC, etc. Sometimes this is okay depending upon the circumstances. However, it never becomes our turn. Please know that I am not saying that we shouldn’t help others. We should definitely fight for all who need help. We have been doing this but when we ask for others to fight for us – for our liberties and opportunities, to be treated as people who belong and are valued, to be treated with compassion and grace – it is always limited and done misguidedly.

Learn more about this crisis within the crisis of war.

Get involved with helping this new crisis for Ukraine.

Then, get involved with a social justice group to end racism and racist policies here in the United States. An internet search will reveal a plethora of organizations and options for getting involved. Visible Unity is always open to all and will encourage all. I implore you to get involved. It will change things and you.

Peace, Love, & Unity

Pam

People Unite!

25 Feb 2022 Leave a comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized, Working and Preparing, Workshops Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

I was cleaning out my room and ran across words I wrote (don’t know when). They are still pertinent today, with only minor modifications.

I’m here to say – God says enough! My people unite!

Look at the racial chaos in our world. God is calling us to love and heal his world. In America, the belief that whites are superior to all others is destroying our country. The new and developing chaos with Russia and Ukraine is also based on the erroneous belief that some people are superior to others.

We are all human beings and equal in that fact. Our skills and talents vary, just like our personalities and strength of character varies. These are meant to strengthen the society, not weaken it. When there is an atmosphere of diversity, unity and inclusion, the growth and productivity of society increases. Harvard did a study that proved this point about businesses, and I carry it out to the societal level. If we want America to be great, we need to embrace all Americans. If we want our global society to be great, we need to embrace all global citizens. We cannot afford to leave even one person behind. Our collective survival depends upon it.

Believers, do something every day towards racial reconciliation and peace building. Reach out to someone of a different culture. Do or try something new with someone new. So, I encourage you to reach out, engage others, be a voice, be an opportunity provider. I say, ‘opportunity provider,’ because sometimes we don’t need anyone to speak for us. We just need the opportunity, and we will speak for ourselves.

Once you have engaged others, share their stories (if they agree) with others so that all can begin to understand and know the daily lived experiences of others.

As always, contact Visible Unity for more questions, some answers, and lots of opportunities.

Peace, Love, & Unity

Pam

Escalation

23 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Uncategorized, Working and Preparing Tags: , , , , ,

We are beginning to see the escalation of acts of rage and hate that began toward Black people. We have been telling you about the interconnectedness of all of humanity.

There were examples for us to see: Swine Flu, West Nile, Ebola, Covid 19.

It may begin in one place, with one group, but it will eventually spread. With our US violence, it began with the relaxing of gun laws. Actually, it began with genocide and slavery followed by hundreds of years of instilling hate and fear of black people and other minority groups. Then, came the relaxing of gun laws. With Trump, the escalation of the hate and rage were encouraged. First, police were getting away with killing black people. Then, ordinary white citizens were getting away with it. Police departments, who are supposed to serve and protect, have now become militarized and infused with people full of hate and rage towards black people. White racists have become emboldened to take the country back. We are beginning to see violence turned towards anyone who is seen as against them.

It is not too late to stop this escalation. But we have to act now.

We have to elect politicians who will pass the laws to fix a lot of this. For suggested laws and policies, you can go to any website that is promoting justice, diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion.

We must learn to show respect, and dignity to all of humanity. We must also embrace and value all of humanity.

As the holiday season approaches, take some time to reflect on this and what else you and yours can do.

I’d love to hear from you.

Blessings!

Gratitude and Grievance

09 Oct 2021 Leave a comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

Oftentimes, when words of gratitude and grievance are uttered when talking about racial equity and justice, the intended meaning is:

  1. Gratitude – BIPOC should be appreciative of the US and patriotic. The assumptions are that because we critique and criticize the US, we do not love our country, because we demand equity and justice, we want more than we are entitled, and because we see ourselves as citizens who should be able to obtain the American dream – if we want, that we only want it at the expense or on the backs of others.
    • However, it is from our love of country that we push our country to be better and to do more for everyone who resides in this country and its territories. It is from our love of country that we desire and know that we are better together than divided. When everyone’s needs are met, a community, business, country will thrive and grow. It is from our love of country, that we envision a new dream for America and the world.
  2. Grievance – Grievances or complaints against our government are acts of treason and/or terrorism. Our grievances are legitimate in a country that has systematically entrenched racism and oppression nationwide. These complaints are continually bringing up the negative (and yes, ugly) events and actions from our country’s past. Some people would say by doing so, we inhibit our nation from moving forward.
    • In reality, in not addressing, resolving, and healing our country from its past and current egregious acts, we stifle our ability to become our best selves – individually and as a country.

If you are tired of the complaining and grievances of BIPOC, and

If you are tired of the seeming unmerited and unpatriotic (not my words) critiques and criticisms,

Then, I suggest you learn and expand your knowledge for yourself (internet searches, books from all sides, etc.) and begin to see and listen to more than one perspective of our collective story. I would also encourage you to join us at Safe Space Conversations, where authentic ‘seeking after truth’ is welcomed and honored. If you have a group already, we can talk about working with your group for a specialized Safe Space Conversations or any other training.

It is through one’s engagement with diverse individuals, and we build relationships across all societal divides, that we learn to be responsible citizens in our country. A responsible citizen critiques and seeks to improve self, community, and government. I am excited to see what a healed, improved, and truly welcoming country the US will become. Join us.

Peace on Earth

27 Jul 2017 1 Comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized, Working and Preparing, Workshops Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I was anguishing about the state of this world and how there is chaos and violence everywhere you look. I wished there was more that I could do. While I know that relationship building, reconciliation and peace making are crucial, they sometimes don’t feel like enough. Visible Unity had a Weekend for Peace recently that brought together diverse people to pray, sing, view and discuss film clips around racism and integrate a worship service. A song came to me and our diverse group of peace minded people joined together at a police station and prayed for peace and sang the lyrics of the song – ‘Let There Be Peace On Earth.’

Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me

Let There Be Peace on Earth, The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father, Brothers all are we

Let me walk with my brother, In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now

With ev’ry step I take, Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live, Each moment in peace eternally

Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me

The peace that was meant to be, living in perfect harmony, and beginning with each one of us, should give us pause.  Not long after this, one of the board members of Visible Unity, Inc. sent me a link to a commentary on John 15:12-13 – ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’. The commentator suggests four things from this passage. The Obligation, the Sufficiency, the Pattern, and the Motive of Christian love. (http://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/15-12.htm)

The Obligation – cherishing a kindly and loving regard to all others; such an attitude is the only fitting expression of the mutual relation of Christians, through their common relation to Jesus; However unlike any two Christian people are to each other in character, in culture, in circumstances, the bond that knits those who have the same relations to Jesus Christ one to another is far deeper, far more real, and ought to be far closer, than the bond that knits either of them to the men or women to whom they are likest in all these other respects.

I like this focus on the obligation of Christians because I feel if we can get this right, then we will have a head start in loving non-Christians. I also like this because I think Christians may be lagging more so than other faiths in loving their brothers and sisters. In Christ, we are all one family.

The Sufficiency – Love will soften the tones, will instinctively teach what we ought to be and do; will take the bitterness out of opposition and diversity, will make even rebuke, when needful, only a form of expressing itself. The ‘one thing needful’ was that they should be knit together as true participators of His life. Love was sufficient as their law and as their guide.

Love is sufficient. What else is there to say?

The Pattern – Now He says, ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ There stand the three, as it were, the Father, the Son, the disciple. The Son in the midst receives and transmits the Father’s love to the disciple, and the disciple is to love his fellows, in some deep and august sense, as the Father loved the Son. Christ’s love nailed Him to the Cross, and led Him down from the throne, and shut for a time the gates of the glory behind Him. And He says, ‘That is your pattern!’ ‘If He had never died for His enemies’ says one of the old fathers, ‘He would never have possessed His friends.’ The way by which we are to meet even alienation and hostility is by pouring upon it the treasures of an unselfish, self-sacrificing affection which will conquer at the last.

Enemies are future friends when love is involved and seeks relationship. Christians, we have our model. Turn to Christ’s love and allow it to infuse you that you feel compelled, obligated and equipped to love others.

The Motive – The novelty of Christian morality lies here, that in its law there is a self-fulfilling force. We have not to look to one place for the knowledge of our duty, and somewhere else for the strength to do it, but both are given to us in the one thing, the gift of the dying Christ and His immortal love. And so, brethren, if we would know the blessedness and the sweetness of victory over these miserable, selfish hearts of ours, and to walk in the liberty of love, we can only get it by keeping close to Jesus Christ.

From this passage, we should be motivated to reach out in love to all of our brothers and sisters. LOVE IS THE WAY TO RECONCILIATION!!!  LOVE IS THE WAY TO RELATIONSHIP BUILDING!!!  LOVE IS THE WAY TO PEACE!!!  If you have the desire but are unsure of how, please contact me. I will be happy to discuss with you possible avenues of reaching out to those different from you.

Weekend for Peace

10 Jul 2017 1 Comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Uncategorized, Working and Preparing, Workshops Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This past weekend Visible Unity, Inc. declared a ‘Weekend for Peace.’

Friday evening was ‘Prayers for Peace’ where we met at the Southwest Dallas Police Substation and engaged in prayer, singing and talking.  Seeking to be fortified as we begin or continue in the work of bringing peace into our spheres of influence.

Saturday afternoon we gathered at the Meadows Conference Center for the I/Eye Perspective.  We watched film clips from the movie, ‘I Am Not Your Negro’ and a clip of the self-introduction of ‘Tim Wise.’  We watched these clips with our eyes (Eye Perspective) and then had excellent discussion about race from each of our own personal perspectives (I).

Sunday morning (the most segregated hour) was the Integrated Hour of Worship, where a diverse group attended services at First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas, Dr. Andy Stoker pastor.

We are in a war.  Yes, a war is going on in our country.  And with all wars people tend to forget that the enemy is also human and has family and friends who love them and who has hopes and dreams for the future.  People also tend to focus on destroying the other.  There is no desire to try and come together and talk things over.  Hate is the focus, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to kill.  Lastly, people tend to believe all the propaganda about the other side.  That they are not human, good or worthy.  They are a bane to society and so on.  This provides the ammunition needed to keep the war going.  It helps people to believe they are doing the right thing, the good and necessary thing.

In his sermon, Dr. Stoker remarked that we have a tendency to turn practice into truth.  I would add that in the history of the US, there has been a practice of devaluing people of color and this practice has turned into a truth.  A truth that has to be dismantled.  A truth that is founded upon ignorance and mainly, fear.  James Baldwin, when talking about the nature of the rage between Black and White, said that, ‘The root of the black man’s hatred is rage.  Blacks don’t hate whites.  It’s more rage; they just want them out of their way and more importantly, out of their children’s way.  The root of the white man’s hatred is terror.  A bottomless, unnameless terror which focuses on this dread figure and entity which lives only in his mind.’

The way past this terror and this unfounded truth is through relationships, relationships across cultures and divides, relationships across gender and economic divides, relationships across faiths.  Visible Unity can help you with this.  Contact us and join us in peace-building and relationship building.

 

 

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