Message from the HTCJP Chair, William E. Berry, Jr.
A brief essay of what I do or try to do as the chair
Message to the HTCJP board of directors, September 17, 2020
The unrealized reality is that society in general views social justice through a myopic lens, a limiting view, a lack of comprehensive understanding of how social justice issues are dynamically interwoven through the fabric of our lives at all levels and nuances, which will impact generations to come.
In my mind, HTCJP has a responsibility to broaden such thinking; engage residents and community organizations in re-thinking institutional goals and organizational culture.
At differing times, organizations will realize that what they are, or have become, is not what they want to be. And what is important, is the organization’s willingness not necessarily to change because of a deficient but rather work to manifest successful institutional skill sets and transfer those skills to other areas of institutional operations that can revel in new and different approaches to fully realize specific departmental objectives. Ultimately, institutional goals are fully realized and at that point, the entire citizenry…residents, neighbors and friends are the benefactors. And more importantly, our children and grandchildren will have a more vibrant, embracing and equality based community that empowers them to learn to their potential, and hopefully, elect to remain in the community as residents.
Social justice is more than responding to civil unrest situations; more than marches, demonstrations or calling for immediate societal change; pressuring governmental authority to grapple with systemic deficiencies. Social justice is moving the power brokers to realize and implement a better way to serve citizens.
Clean drinkable water; locally grown and sourced fresh produce that can create agricultural skills and pathways to entrepreneurship; enhancing programs to create youth leadership skills, educational opportunities and pathways to initiate, grow and nurture small businesses for those folks who have been historically denied access to funding, grants, gifts and other sustainable financial resources. That is a small measure of social justice.
There is a need for social justice organizations to break open the closed society formulated under the premise of who you know, that routinely benefits and gives a step up for those known to others regardless of their ability or desire. And such privileges invariably pose a step or more importantly, a flight down for those not in the loop of pre-established privilege because of race, culture, class or some other ill-conceived societal standing.
As a social justice organization, our areas of work, our list of "to do's" are exhaustive especially if we think outside of what used to be our box!
I trust.
I hope.
We will continue to partner with folks and entities who want to re-think how they dream; what they seek to create as sustainable legacies of their involvement in re-defining, re-structuring social justice parameters while insuring the organizational gifts and services that their organization provides to generations not yet realized or served.
We have the ability now to create our destiny. To sustain the Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace for generations to come. To empower how others will (hopefully) pick up any dropped torch and carry on with a sense of organization history and purpose. So…
I will continue my efforts to dreamscape and develop collaborations and partnerships to give the Board the opportunity to manifest the HTCJP’s legacy as a vital, vibrant, and fully realized social justice organization.
I appreciate the time you took to read my thinking. And I always remain open to your comments...just share your thoughts with everyone so we are on the same page, same moment in time...one organization.
Stay safe.
Stay protected.
Stay focused.
Cordially,
bill