Reflections on the Speaking Tour September to December 2001
by Dorothy Granada
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Reflections on the Speaking Tour September to December 2001
by Dorothy Granada
For four and a half months I traveled the width and breadth of the United States, being hosted in forty cities, speaking and reflecting with more than 80 groups of people of all ages. I reunited with folks who have supported our work for many years and met new friends. I was inspired by the many wonderful people who are doing creative work toward building a world where human relations are based on mutual respect and non violence. Some folks have been quietly and faithfully striving toward a world of peace with justice for many decades; others are discovering the hope and strength that come with working for peace.
Wherever I went, there was grieving over the events of September eleventh. However, in the midst of pain and shock, many were also seeking nonviolent ways of responding, knowing that violence only moves us more deeply into the downward spiral of ultimate hopelessness. Those who had little understanding of the history of U.S. interventions found it particularly difficult to see the attacks of September 11 in context.
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OUT OF MANY
Some meetings with university students were especially happy occasions. I was tremendously impressed with the clarity with which many young people today understand the issues of world economics that dictate conditions that exclude the poor from a life of dignity, the destruction of this precious planet and the dislocation of poor people, especially, the indigenous. With the idealism characteristic of their age, they believe all things are possible, even a world of peace.
Hope is With The Young
Among the young people who touched me most were those at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and Manchester College in North Manchester, Ill. At Knox, one beautiful, young woman came to me at the end of the gathering with tears streaming down her face saying, “Thank you for the message of hope. We hear so much that is negative that it seems impossible to make a change but you have given us hope that change is possible.”
At Manchester College a group of about 40 students crowded together in the living room of a professor in a regular meeting to learn, analyze, plan and reflect on nonviolent responses to current events. Announcement time came at the end of the evening: School of the America’s trainings, a racism workshop, a peace vigil, among others.
Nicaragua Network Annual Meeting
A special treat was being present at the annual meeting of the Nicaragua Network held in Santa Cruz, California. Present were solidarity activists of all ages who have been supporting the Nicaraguan people for many, years. Jill Wingardener and I were invited to report on the legal, civil and human rights campaigns that enabled the Women’s Center and Clinic to re-open and for me to remain free. Jill won special recognition for the out-standing state-side campaign that mobilized thousands here in the U.S. Jill’s work earned her a position on the national board of The Nicaragua Network.
Santa Cruz Event
In early November, the Women’s Empowerment Network and other friends organized a spectacular event in my home community, of Santa Cruz, California. Over two hundred people enjoyed the beautiful food prepared by Chris Ballin, inspiring music by singer song-writer, Victor Aguiar, words by Congressman Sam Farr and Burt Muhly and my stories from Nicaragua. The evening ended with Salsa dancing. It was a joyful celebration! Many of the local Latin American and non-violent activist community were present. It was an affirmation of the struggle to create a better world. Santa Cruz is an outstanding activist community and I am blessed to be part of it.
Peace and Justice Groups
It was wonderful to meet with many peace and justice groups. I had the honor of speaking at the annual meeting of the Ecumenical Peace Institute in Berkeley. Many old friends were present; those with whom I had spent weeks at the Concord Navel Weapons Station in the Nuremberg Actions Campaign and those who fasted with us in the Fast for Life. It is always strengthening to be with my teachers, those older activists, in Fellowship of Reconciliation, Clergy and Laity Concerned and others who have to bear some of the responsibility for the mischief I’ve gotten into.
Brethren Peace Fellowship
The Church of the Brethren through Manchester College have accompanied us in Mulukukú for the past twelve years sending a medical-dental-student delegation every January. Therefore, it was a special privilege for me to be asked to speak at the annual meeting of the Brethren Peace Fellowship.
Doctors for Global Health
Dear friends Janet and Carey Womble, from missionary days in Ponce, Puerto Rico and Joy Mockabee of the organization Doctors for Global Health. hosted me in Tucson. This group facilitates the volunteering of health workers in Latin America. I particularly appreciate Doctors for Global Health’s emphasis on the importance of human rights and justice issues in relation to health.
Former Refugee Children
Also, in Tucson I met with friends who, for years, have been central to the work with Central American refugees. Among the many impressive programs, I was invited to attend a writing group of teen-aged former refugees. Each of these young people have lived through horrors. One young Guatemalan girl related how she witnessed the torture and murder of her father, a union leader. Through this writing group the young people are finding healing. Further, they reach out to help other suffering children, supporting a children’s projects in Bosnia and India. As I was about to leave after they had interviewed me, I was presented with a gift of $550, money they had raised, for the children of Mulukukú. Isn’t it a miracle of love, that these young people who have lived through loss of home and country and have even witnessed family members killed are able to develop such a profound empathy for other children suffering in the world? As I have learned in Nicaragua, those who have suffered, have the greatest capacity to love.
The Churches
Because I am a member of an organized church, Episcopal, I feel a special privilege and obligation to share my understanding of the Gospel’s nonviolent message and the special chosen place of the poor with other Christians.
Thanks
To all my hosts, and contributors, a profound thank you . We in Mulukukú are held up by many hands. All strength to each of you.
– Dorothy
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