It’s not always easy to look back; to confront the broken, painful moments in our history. Still, I was reminded that it is absolutely necessary to learn from, lament over, and find restoration moving forward. That is what the Sankofa bus journey reminded me of. I actually participated in Sankofa back in 2007. Now, almost 20 years later, we visited some new sites, but I was amazed at how the history continued to shock and sober me, as well as challenge and inspire me.
On Sankofa (which started with flying to Atlanta and then hopping on a bus) history was not just something I read about, but something I immersed myself in. A three day bus trip through key places in the civil rights movement – Atlanta, Montgomery, Birmingham, Selma, Memphis. Together as a community we confronted the reality of the legacy of injustice and pain. We were challenged to see how our lives as disciples of Jesus call us to love our neighbor, care for the vulnerable, offer our lives as living sacrifices. I’m still processing all I absorbed in such a short amount of time. I am challenged by the testimony of men and women who put themselves on the line for freedom from the time they were just children – Miss Donna & Miss Elaine. I am moved to not give up hope and to continue to work for change.
Donna
As Bryan Stevenson says (who actually came on the bus to greet us!), “Hopelessness is the enemy of justice.” I’m thankful for our facilitators @dominiquedgilliard and @raisingcains. I’m thankful for all who went on the trip, especially my New Community Church family. If you haven’t gone on Sankofa, sign-up!! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to remember, lament, repent, repair, transform, tell the truth, and be a part of God’s reconciling work. As we saw the Clayborn Temple church/memorial site that was being restored in Memphis and was burned by arson just a year ago, I am reminded that we are still called to overcome evil with good. If you haven’t heard of the amazing work of EJI please check them out and make it a point to visit their museum and memorial sites in Montgomery. Also, there will be another Sankofa in 2027, I highly encourage you to get on the bus. Find out more info here: https://covchurch.regfox.com/sankofa-2027
