CALL FOR A LOCAL CEASE FIRE ON GLOBAL CONFLICT

From the Union, Ideas and Opinions, January 31, 2024,

Donn K. Harris for Color Me Human

During the eight years I served on the California Arts Council (2013-2021), I connected with folks of opposing views, and gained insights that produced impactful results. In 2001, the state contribution to the Arts Council was at $1 million, or approximately $.03 per Californian. It would have been zero, but we committed to matching the National Endowment for the Arts’ $1 million annual award. I joined the Council as the pendulum was swinging back the other way: we went up to $5 million my first year, and by the time I was termed out the base allocation was $26.8 million. Elected officials were committed to creativity and supported programs like the Arts in Corrections, Veterans for the Arts and the California Creative Corps

I spent time with a legislator who was an arts advocate and had a fascinating collection in their Capitol office. They had recently returned to Sacramento after time in the private sector. They reported that collaboration and civil dialogue had evaporated. Social events were separated and casual conversations between members of different parties were non-existent. Exchanges were characterized by sarcasm, insults and misrepresentation. ‘Our work is impacted,’ was the measured summary this legislator afforded us.

Yet we had legislators, in opposition on the majority of issues, bonding over the power of creativity in the prison arts programs, the healing of veterans in Creative Forces efforts and the workforce development in the Creative Corps initiative. This increasingly rare phenomenon of non-polarized opinion often comes with – or through – basic courtesy and deep listening.

These qualities are lacking in our recent public exchanges. Logic is also a casualty as we fight like hell for our team. If we were only fighting for what we believe, these qualities wouldn’t be so easily dropped; but we want to win, and the tactics are brutal. Winning seems to include an eradication of the other side’s humanity – contrary to the ends we are hoping to achieve.

The issue of the moment is the response of the American public to the war in Gaza. Not the war itself – our response to it.

Not only don’t the ends justify the means – means in conflict with the ends will not achieve what we set out to do. They can’t: the ends are corrupted once their fabric has been torn by the ways we try to win. If it looks like ugly personal attacks have been successful, it’s one of two things: either what we are trying to achieve is as ugly as the tactics; or our view of winning is very narrow and ignores unkind realities that undermine victory.

Our recent Nevada City and Grass Valley City Council meetings have included demonstrations of rage, vicious verbal attacks, and demands that elected officials issue public statements in support of the speaker’s viewpoint. It hasn’t ended when the microphones are off. Officials have been harassed, slandered, even threatened. Whatever their opinions on this or any other topic, I am calling for our own cease-fire.

Our City Councilmembers were not elected based on their views of global conflict, and we don’t get to push an issue on them and act as if it’s a betrayal when they don’t agree. Polls show a significant split among the public on the Israel/Palestine conflict. How exactly does a City Council issue a statement about a conflict 7,306 miles away when over half of their constituents are uncommitted or opposed to whatever statement they make? If the collective weight of voices around the world will have one result or the other, then write Op-Eds, engage in peaceful, permitted marches, enter into civil debates. City Council meetings are not a meaningful platform for global policy exploration.

If the goal on either side is to build a more just, harmonious world, where people can live in peace and prosperity, we can’t get there in an environment of rage and win-at-all-costs.

War begins in the micro-aggressions that keep us separated and wary, and as we move up into positions of influence, we carry those attitudes into situations where the stakes are higher and higher. By the time our leaders are in roles where war and peace is the issue, they’ve been battered by the anger and accusations of those who didn’t get their way. Daily, I read the bitter recriminations of those still disturbed by the COVID mask-wearing mandate, and the insults hurled at those who think DEI takes up too much space.

We all love America, but Americans can be difficult. We come as a package deal, though. In the workplace, we would never accept this behavior. If we legislate civility and fairness there, let’s borrow the concept for the twice-monthly council meetings. It is one of the workplaces of our City Council members, and they deserve the non-hostile environment that has been protected for us. That is our best chance of preventing future military conflicts. If we can’t work with our neighbors, it doesn’t inspire confidence that we’ll figure it out when we are sitting across the table from an adversary, in a high-stakes environment – with war and peace in the balance.

Donn K. Harris is a Nevada County resident and serves on the boards of Color Me Human and the Nevada County Arts Council, and participates in the County’s Equity and Inclusion Leadership Alliance. He contributes regularly to the writing platform of medium.com

A time to come together: Nevada County prepares to celebrate Juneteenth

From The Union, June 14, 2023, By Jennifer Nobles

June 19 marks the celebration of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The approval of the holiday was officially passed by Congress in 2021.

Nevada County will be honoring Juneteenth in various forms, beginning with a celebration in Nevada City’s Pioneer Park Saturday June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Local nonprofit Color Me Human has organized the event, with this year’s theme being “Freedom is a promise and a responsibility.”

Color Me Human bears the mission statement that they celebrate, elevate, educate, and advocate to create a safe, equitable world for Black, Indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQ+ folks.

Juneteenth celebrates the day in June of 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved people were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Lincoln two and a half years earlier, slavery continued in Texas even after the civil war ended. Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas the following year and as African Americans migrated throughout the country, the celebration spread.

Reverend Kevin Tarsa of the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains is on the board of Color Me Human and said the organization intends to have a simple celebration of life and food.

“Color Me Human planned this in 2021 and then the federal holiday was declared that year,” Tarsa explained. “We want people to know it’s a chance to come together. It’s largely a community gathering.” Tarsa said that aside from a couple of speakers, the event will be a way to spread the word of Juneteenth in the community and give people a chance to learn more about the significance of the day.

“This year it’s a little less than (we do normally); we kept it simpler. It’s really built around the meal and interaction. This year it’s a simpler effort, but also rooted really in the original celebrations which were built around exactly that,” Tarsa said.

All are welcome at the Color Me Human Juneteenth celebration, and guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share. The crowd will gather in the picnic area to the left of the creek.

“For me it’s a reminder of the history that continues to affect and unfold,” said Tarsa. “This idea that the Emancipation Proclamation was issued; it’s the celebration of moving beyond that, finding a way into liberation. It’s important to remind myself and to support people of color.”

Tracy Pepper, Executive Director of Color Me Human, said, “Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans. We unite in recognizing black culture’s history and richness. As we celebrate freedom, we remind ourselves to be accountable for and vigilant about calling out racial and social injustice wherever we see it. We owe it to our ancestors, our children, ourselves—to humanity”.

Later in the day, Peace Lutheran Church will hold its own celebration with speakers Gwen Ford of Lifting Others Forward Together (LOFT) along with a presentation on the importance and legacy of Juneteenth. Music will be provided by LOFT quartet and desserts and refreshments will be served.

Linda Jack of the Nevada County Historical Society will present on the history of other freedom festivals in the region. The event will be free to the public and will take place Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at 828 West Main Street in Grass Valley.

“We don’t charge because we want the community to be able to be there,” said Judy Kenney, one of the organizers of Peace Lutheran’s event. “We do take donations and the donations will go to the LOFT institute which is a foundation in Marysville that helps women in domestic violence situations and in homelessness. Also (we will donate to) Women of Worth.”

Kenney said the acknowledgement of Juneteenth represents the intent of her church to welcome, embrace, and support one and all.

“I think our whole mission…is just to bridge the gap between whites and blacks and all people of color and get them interested in learning about each other and becoming friends. Just try and make peace with these race relations that just keep going around in the wrong direction. It’s so slow and you keep thinking ‘by now this shouldn’t be a problem but it is.’ It’s a two way street.”

Color Me Human and Peace Lutheran worked together to ensure that their events won’t coincide and the celebration of Juneteenth can be accessible to whoever wishes to participate.

For more information on Color Me Human, their efforts, and their Juneteenth celebration please visit www.colormehuman.org.

Additional details and information on the celebration at Peace Lutheran Church can be found at peacelutherangv.org.

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Color Me Human Board Chair, Daryl Grigsby, recently was invited to the Nevada County Media studios to participate in a series they are filming with local non-profits sharing a brief overview of their organizations. Please note that the caption has the date of the 3rd Annual Juneteenth date incorrect. The event is on Saturday, June 17th, from Noon - 3 PM at the Pioneer Park Picnic area. You can learn more at the events tab.

Getting to Know You: Color Me Human

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The Union: Ideas & Opinions — Daryl Grigsby: Our community is being drained of talented bi-racial, black, Hispanic and other families due to racial harassment

Daryl Grigsby, May 31, 2023, Nevada City

I have lived in Washington DC, Chicago, San Diego, Kirkland Washington; Pomona California, Pismo Beach California, and here. I have been a resident here for almost four years, and there is much I love about this area. Accessible downtowns with friendly establishment owners, good eateries, natural beauty, the Yuba River, Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Victorian Christmas, Mardi Gras, Mill Street makeover, independent bookstores, art, culture and most of all; an amazing array of talented people of all ages. Our local government agencies, hospital, district attorney, school boards and other groups are devoted to improving the community. There also is an incredible number of volunteer and social service organizations who give of their time and resources to make our community a better place to live.

There is, however, one thing I do not love (outside of course, our ever-lengthening fire season). That one thing is the alarming number of parents who are moving out of the area because of how their children are racially bullied or harassed. As I mentioned earlier, I have only been here four years. Yet, even in that short time, I have met or am aware of many parents of children who are black, bi-racial, or of other ethnic backgrounds, who have moved or will move out of the area. Of all the places I have ever lived, East coast, Midwest, Washington state; I have never encountered this many people who leave to protect their children and themselves from racist acts.

I am aware there are groups that actively oppose any discussion of racial division or inequity. I also know there are groups here, and all over the United States, that actively pursue and promote bigotry, even to the point of violence. Yet, I also believe that those two groups combined do not constitute the majority of the people in Nevada County. Further, it is my opinion that most of the people in this County are good people with sound minds and open hearts.

So why then do we allow words and deeds from children and adults that are hurtful to the residents of color in our community? Some of the things I have heard yelled from passing vehicles, said by groups of children to others, and experienced by children as young as 5 years old; is truly frightening.

I was recently in Memphis, Tennessee because I am on the Board of Leadership Foundations (LF), a faith-based group that empowers communities to build partnerships to confront critical challenges in their respective city. Leadership Foundations promotes racial justice, provides jobs for recently released felons, mentors youth, offers alternatives to gang life, serves immigrants, and provides escape routes for people trapped in human trafficking. Our meeting was a hopeful time in the midst of the inequality, division, and violence in our world. The work of LF members reminded me of the power of community commitment.

As part of our meeting we visited the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel. On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, murdered for the ‘crime’ of peace-making and racial justice. The museum tour began with slavery and continues through Reconstruction, Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights movement, and ends on the balcony where Dr. King was assassinated.

It was a moving moment standing near the place King was murdered. The Museum also had an exhibit on King’s 1963 Good Friday Letter from the Birmingham Jail. That historic letter was addressed to white clergy who criticized his marches and protests as ‘untimely and unwise.’

In his response Dr. King noted that inaction from people of good will is more frustrating than the impacts of people of ill will. I’m convinced we have more good will than ill will. Yet, we also have the reality that our community is being drained of talented bi-racial, black, Hispanic and other families due to racial harassment. To me that is completely unacceptable and is contrary to all that is good about our community.

So here we are, on land that was never ceded by the Nisenan inhabitants, enjoying this area’s natural beauty, celebrating ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’, while right in our midst are people whose actions chase away residents of color. That’s not right and must end. Anyone of good will must be outraged and work to create the welcoming community we must become.

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Either-or' terms do not apply to schools. We need both

Daryl Grigsby, Board Chair, Color Me Human| Other Voices Jan 25, 2023

 I was flabbergasted to read the ‘Misses’ by Jo Ann Rebane and Thea Hood (01/19, A5 Ideas and Opinions) regarding test scores at Nevada Union High School. They both, as if pre-planned, on queue, and synchronized, blamed the newly appointed School Board members for low student scores on competency tests. Incredibly, they both insinuated the new Board members’ attention to inclusion, and equity is responsible for the low test scores. Their ‘Miss’ claims are stunning on many levels.

The first and most obvious is that the current test scores were attained under the watch of the previous Board, not the new members. The previous Board, which admittedly, like us all, had to address unprecedented pandemic-related restrictions, was on duty when the students were learning, and the tests were administered.

Ironically, the former Board either did not run, was defeated in the November election, or resigned at the first meeting; their views were in the minority (Jim Drew), and they staunchly opposed any discussion of equity. They declined student requests for help, denied the existence of racist or homophobic behavior, and undermined work by administrators to create a safe learning environment. It was that school Board, not the incoming members, who were at the helm when test scores fell. That Board, at the same time, refused to address racism or homophobia in the school. I don’t blame the former Board for the test scores. Trying to run a school district with distance learning, angry parents showing up at school to yell at mask-wearing students, and other challenges must have been difficult. I blame them for their refusal to approve programs to enhance equity and inclusion in the schools. School is not just about tests and learning and As and Bs; it is all that and much more. It is about learning to deal with differences, learning there is more to life than your own needs, and becoming part of a community where you will later be an active participant, worker, parent, and voter.

The other incredible aspect of Rebane’s and Hood’s accusations is that they seem to think in narrow ‘either-or’ terms. Either you care about tests and grades only, or you care about social skills, empathy, and kindness. According to their worldview, you cannot do both. Apparently, from their perspective, you focus on grades and tests and scores; and completely ignore the basic social skills of listening, understanding, compassion, and collaboration. Conversely, if you want students to learn about other races, cultures, and sexual orientations and to treat each other with kindness and empathy, you must ignore reading, math, and science. What a limited and narrow view of life. Ironically, the former Board, from what I can tell, did neither.

I worked in local government for 42 years, 30 as a manager in public works and engineering. By far, the most successful, productive, and frankly joyful people I encountered were those with a marvelous balance of technical and people skills. I would not want to live in a world managed by the students of Rebane’s and Hood’s ideology. They would have high test scores and be devoid of basic people skills. Thea Hood asks the Board to decide what is most important. ‘Promoting academic excellence or promoting equity (equal outcomes)’. In her view, those are obviously mutually exclusive objectives. I graduated from all-black schools in Washington, DC, in the 1970s. The constant message from my teachers, neighbors, and family was simple — do the best you can in school and treat everyone with respect and dignity. Those are not mutually exclusive outcomes — they are part of an education to create good workers, good parents, good neighbors, and good citizens.

I’m not sure if the current School Board has even had more than one meeting together. They certainly were not around during the tests. The cynic in me could say that people like Rebane and Hood, having lost at the school board elections, are now hinting that if you care about racial justice, you don’t care about grades or tests. That is a false and dishonest position. I know that some new Board members have children in the District. They have a deep concern for the whole child, the whole person, and the future of this community. It is completely unfair, disingenuous, and hypocritical to try and box the new members into a false either-or corner. Grades…or…awareness. Test scores…or…listening and empathy and kindness. Spare me the simplistic either-or choice. We can and must have both.