The importance of unity in efforts to save our planet. Innovator Mel Hoover, Reverend Emeritus Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT & CONVERSATION
- Mel grew up in a “United Nations, multicultural family” which shaped his view of what a society based on acceptance and empowerment of all races and ethnic groups could be. Please share your experience within your family in regards to that view.
- Mel participated in a “lock out” at seminary, please share an experience or action that you have taken, large or small, to change people’s minds, hearts and behaviors related to racism.
- Freedom Summer was a 1964 voter registration project in Mississippi to expand Black voting in the South. The murder of 3 students, two White and one Black, helped to precipitate the passage of the civil rights bill in Congress. Please share memories or knowledge of the Civil Rights era of the 1960s that have influenced you in some way.
- Malcolm X came from ‘we can’t trust them’ to ‘we must work together’ (to end racism) and Dr. Martin Luther learned that “heart and faith were not enough”, that systems were in place that needed to change to end racism. Please share your thoughts and reaction.
ACTIONS
- Environmental damage to the planet affects everyone including our food supply and the safety and availability of healthy water. What efforts do you see being made in your community that bring diverse groups of people together to protect, restore and save our planet? How can more be done?
- Contact UU Reverend Emeritus Mel Hoover to speak at your workplace, community space or place of worship to spark conversations on anti-racism or working together to save the environment.
ABOUT MEL
Mel Hooveris Reverend Emeritus of the Unitarian Universalist Church. He was the 2013 recipient of Unitarian Universalist Association Distinguished Service Award for his work in anti-racism, anti-oppression, community-building, gender equality and environmental justice. He is 2014 Co-Founder of the MelRose Positive Transformative Change Ministries. He is involved with the Earth Charter Movement, a global movement for a sustainable future, and was an incorporator of “Earth Scouts” for boys and girls 3 to 17.