Hunger for Justice
A Just Harvest raises its voice with all who are mourning and demanding justice for Black men, women and trans siblings murdered by police who are sworn to serve and protect them. Once again, our nation is facing its original sin of slavery, and how its legacy of racism infects every social, cultural, and political institution in American life.
There is no more pernicious and persistent example of this evil than police violence. This is a moment of moral and political reckoning. For far too often our society has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to this problem. Police violence has not increased in our time. Rather the number of incidents captured on video has. Nearly 30 years after the police beating of Rodney King, another generation is experiencing the anguish of knowing that video alone cannot ensure justice. Our hearts are heavy and our souls are weary as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade join a seemingly relentless list of hashtags of Black individuals who have been killed by police. We say there names. Ashé. This is the time to harvest the gifts of every person of good will to transform this nation.
A Just Harvest is a north side Chicago community-based organization committed to living out its vision of creating a world of shared abundance and radical belonging. This means unapologetically affirming the value of Black life and ensuring a just distribution of resources for people to pursue their own life potential. We will continue providing meals with those who are hungry and organize against the conditions that create hunger. Our work as a member of the Coalition to End Money Bond is driven by the fact that mass incarceration and over-policing perpetuates poverty and food insecurity. This means working for a society that does not punish and criminalize the poor communities that our society produces.
Our organization remains dedicated to economic development and entrepreneurship for those often left out of our economy. As such, we are pained that businesses in our community routinely suffer in moments of social unrest. However, the tireless work of organizers should not be misrepresented by the actions of a few. All of us must begin the work where we are. We are proud to build community in the greater Chicagoland area. The multi-racial solidarity on display this past week in protests against police violence and a myriad of community support actions in our home base of Rogers Park are a sign of hope and a hunger for a just society.
With Sincere Hope,
Rev. Dr. Christophe D. Ringer
Board President
Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks
Executive Director