Friends,
As we reflect on the past year, it seems the news was rife with suffering and pain in the world.
 Yesterday's announcement in the Tamir Rice case -- that white police officers would not be charged in the 12-year-old's shooting, despite violating police policy and failing to give warnings -- was heart-wrenching and raised a mournful call of the names Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Jamar Clark. (Please read FOR Bayard Rustin Fellow Rev. Osagyefo Sekou's statement on the United States' betrayal of Tamir Rice.)
And earlier this fall, we despaired for our collective humanity as America's political leaders from both parties attempted to tie Syrian refugees to the bombings in Paris, then advanced legislation barring those seeking asylum from our towns, states, and country.
Please help FOR-USA to shift the narratives of fear that divide us.
As we shared with you yesterday, we are continuing to train the next generation of nonviolent movement leaders in support of #BlackLivesMatter. We are also striving to counter another form of oppression -- Islamaphobia -- through a campaign to #GiveRefugeesRest that you will be hearing more about in coming days.
Your year-end donation to FOR will both help fight Islamophobia toward Syrian refugees, and support the work for black liberation.
Filming a counter-narrative to fear of Syrian refugees
As Muslim families have attempted to escape persecution caused by civil war, our country has responded with fear.
It's time to change that narrative of fear. It's time to give refugees who are suffering from persecution rest instead of condemnation, to portray them as people instead of threats.
FOR is producing a stunning short film to do just that -- but we need your donation to make it possible.
The film will feature:
- A strong message condemning the narrow ideology and policy of leaders who use fear as a tactic to marginalize Muslims.
- A humanizing representation of Muslim people, showing that they are a vital part of U.S. democracy.
- A launch to the grassroots campaign -- #GiveRefugeesRest -- to involve ordinary people in making this country welcoming for all people. This is the actual goal of the film -- the first step in launching an effective campaign of cultural transformation!
This year, we're inviting you to make your year-end, tax-deductible donation to FOR to support the #GiveRefugeesRest project.
We think this moment is vital and FOR supporters are well-positioned to carry the message of the film to your communities and congregations when it's released.
A special gift of music from the Movement for Black Lives
Recorded in and around Ferguson, Missouri, "The Revolution Has Come" is a new album of movement music from the Fellowship of Reconciliation, led by Rev. Osagyefo Sekou, who sings lead on many tracks. This unique CD recording is a collection of new music to fill our souls and connect us through that space beyond words created through the brilliant arrangement of notes, message, instrumentation, and voice.
During the Albany Movement, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "The freedom songs are playing a strong and vital role in our struggle. They give the people new courage and a sense of unity. I think they keep alive a faith, a radiant hope in the future, particularly in our most trying hours."
In the wake of the waves of Islamophobia; the continuing impunity of police gunning down black men, women and children; the culture of fear leading directly to domestic terrorism and subsequent justification for surveillance; the dispiriting limitations within the coming presidential election season for advancing other narratives -- these are indeed trying times.
With your tax-deductible donation of $100 or more, we'll send you a copy of "The Revolution Has Come" to lift your spirits and focus your work.
Music has always been a key to sustaining movements for social change. In the midst of a new movement for social change and out of this moment new music is arising.
And, because this project has been created by our Bayard Rustin Fellow, Rev. Osagyefo Sekou, for gifts of $175 or more, we will send you both "The Revolution Has Come" and "The Singer" -- a CD of hymns, spirituals and movement music from the 20th century by Bayard Rustin.
Thank you for your support
Whether you choose to give at the level of receiving these musical gifts or not, we hope you will support #GiveRefugeesRest with your end-of-year contribution. Our impact has been so significant this year because of your presence in local peace work, holding FOR in the light, and -- yes -- through your financial gifts. Your donation makes a difference.
And with your gift now, you will amplify the light of peace in these days when the world sorely needs that light.
 Linda E. Kelly
Director of Communications
Fellowship of Reconciliation
P.S. While we will gratefully accept your contribution at any time, the special offer for the musical albums above will expire on midnight of Dec. 31 -- so don't wait if you'd like to receive these gifts: Make your donation to FOR-USA now. And thank you! |
