A Time to Reflect on the Past as we Look to the Future
Dear UUCP friends,
As we step into February, we do so with the lingering memory of an extraordinary January. Our city, known more for its warm Gulf breezes than wintry blasts, was blanketed in a rare and record-breaking snowfall. This novel winter storm disrupted plans, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, but it also reminded us of the resilience of our community. We now look forward with excitement to participating in the rescheduled parade, standing in solidarity to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
February is also Black History Month, a time to reflect on the profound truth that African American history is American history. The struggles, triumphs, and contributions of Black Americans have shaped our nation in ways that demand our acknowledgment and understanding. Yet, as we reflect, we must also confront the sobering reality that many civil rights advances of the past century have been eroded or reversed. For instance, the revocation of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1965 executive order banning discrimination in federal hiring and contracting serves as a stark reminder that progress is never guaranteed — it must be actively defended.
Several of our February services will delve into these historical shifts, helping us contextualize them and reinforcing our commitment to justice. As Unitarian Universalists, we are called to protect and uplift vulnerable communities, ensuring that dignity, equity, and compassion remain central to our shared mission.
In that spirit, I leave you with these words from Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde’s plea for mercy during the Inaugural Prayer Service: “May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love, and walk humbly with each other and our God for the good of all people.”
May we carry this prayer in our hearts as we continue our mission of celebrating diversity, striving for justice, and inspiring love.
With gratitude and hope,
Joe Vinson
President, UUCP Board of Directors