This article is inspired by an audit of Dr. King’s unfinished business and a speech given by Michael McPhearson at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington. The occasion was the commemoration of the the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This article is inspired by an audit of Dr. King’s unfinished business and a speech given by Michael McPhearson at All Saint’s Lutheran Church in Spokane Washington. The occasion was the commemoration of the the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
To build a future worthy of our highest hopes we must describe what we seek. We must describe in ways that invite others to join us. This vision isn’t just rhetoric—it’s a lived practice. It means:
Dr. King taught us to discern between those who oppose justice and those who simply differ in approach.
Ask:
If we agree on these foundations, even if our strategies diverge, we are not enemies. True opposition lies in those who divide, dehumanize, or deny justice.
It’s easy to talk about justice and peace; it’s harder to live these values every day. We must:
We must unite—across race, religion, ideology, and background—if we share this vision. We are a time when hate, xenophobia, patriarchy, white supremacy, and fascism are on the rise. Our response must be a movement rooted in Dr. King’s principles:
We can use our anger to fuel us. However love for humanity must guide us as we build this new world. By grounding ourselves in these 14 principles, we honor Dr. King’s unfinished work and ensure our movement remains both visionary and actionable.
ORGANIZATIONS
Local
State/Regional
National
International
EVENTS
ACTIONS
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
PLACES
With millions of people marching in the streets across the United States and 10,000 – 20,000 marching here in Spokane this would make a good topic for our local newspapers, comma and social media. It would also be an opportunity to disseminate strategic conversations across the nation.
The marchers are asking a fundamental question: How do we preserve democracy when so many of our neighbors seem willing to trade it for the promise of security?
It appears that there is a great deal of fear dividing our country in two. Why these fears, what needs to be done, and how can we do it? What do our readers think? What does our community think? What do others think?
This is a three part series. The first part describes the fears and what needs to be done to address them. The second part addresses why Black people should resist the loss of democracy, the third part deals with what needs to be done. Later articles can follow the progress of the Spokane fight for democracy.
The articles discuss various evidence-based approaches to enhance democratic resilience and social cohesion at government, institutional, and individual levels. They highlight the importance of economic interventions, leadership strategies, educational reforms, media responsibility, and personal engagement. The text outlines measures for specific demographic concerns while emphasizing the need for systemic changes and the importance of measuring success. Key factors for success include authenticity, inclusivity, patience, consistency, local focus, and bipartisan support.
Feedback from social media posts and interactions can be used to invite them to remove the fear, save democracy and participate in building a better community they want to live in.
Read the first article in the Fighting Fear series:
1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy
3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?
4. Join Fighting Fear and Volunteer
This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls. Get app at your app store.
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls. Get app at your app store.
How many of you actually have the Five Calls app? When was the last time you used it? Not enough of us, and that’s why I teach these classes. A lot of people say they want to use it, but then no one shows them how to make those phone calls.
We all know that those phone calls are some of the most efficient and effective tools we have as constituents to influence decisions about budgets that could significantly impact our country. So we need to get on board with this now because they’re getting ready to vote on important issues.
If you know how to use it, are you teaching others? The usual call volume in D.C. is only about 40 calls per minute for 435 Congress members—that’s just one call for every ten Congress critters! With Five Calls, we once got that number up to 3,000 calls per minute; however, it’s fallen off recently at a time when it’s crucial for us to be making these calls.
When I was in Chewelah, WA, I showed everyone how easy it is to use Five Calls—65 people were making calls at once! It was awesome! When I asked them if they thought it was easy many raised their hands affirmatively while others seemed unsure or hadn’t used it yet.
So here’s what you need: download the Five Calls app from your Play Store or Apple Store right now—this is your most effective tool for reaching out to your Congress members! Changing my language has been key in my success when communicating with officials; it’s essential that we speak their language if we want our voices heard.
Now, have you downloaded the app onto your phone? Great! Are you looking at the issues? Is it helpful? Can I get an amen?! Remember that each phone call represents approximately 10,000 voters because people often feel too intimidated or unqualified to confront someone directly about their concerns.
Five Calls provides information about current issues being voted on—it cuts through unnecessary topics and helps focus on what truly matters right now. Once you’ve made a call through this tool, remember you’re representing thousands of other voters!
If you’re nervous about talking directly with someone call after hours—call after 2 PM PST (5 pm EST) when they’ve likely gone home and leave a message instead!
When using Five Calls again today or tomorrow—or whenever—you’ll see your representative and senators listed, 3 in Washington state – one Congressman and two Senators; don’t forget those Senators even if they seem aligned with our views—they still need feedback from us!
It’s vital that we communicate our preferences clearly before votes happen so Congress knows where constituents stand—otherwise they might assume there’s no clear majority opinion and vote accordingly based solely on assumptions rather than facts.
Emails hold less weight compared with phone calls since they’re valued at around 1,000 voters each simply because there’s little chance anyone will respond personally—and canned responses don’t help either!
An actual letter carries slightly more value but requires far more effort than simply picking up a phone—it may take days before anyone sees your thoughts by which time decisions may already be made!
So let’s commit today: teach someone else how easy using Five Calls can be within five days.
We cannot remain comfortable anymore—we must start doing things differently starting today—and tomorrow we’ll share knowledge further afield until everyone understands its importance!
To find out more about 5 Calls contact Cynthia Hamilton and I’ll help connect you to class sessions available soon: bugsmind@comcast.net
Social justice is a complex and multifaceted challenge, but solutions are possible through systemic reforms, grassroots activism, and cultural shifts. By addressing inequality, promoting equity, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. These solutions require collaboration across sectors, sustained advocacy, and a commitment to the principles of human rights and dignity.
For full article CLICK HERE
