Call to action

Vermonters heard a call to action on Friday, as Gov. Phil Scott declared June 19, 2020, "Juneteenth Recognition Day." For the first time, the state officially commemorated the day slavery ended in 1865 when the Union Army freed 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 

The announcement came as the nation confronts the impact of systemic racism amid continued protests, following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last month. At a press briefing on Friday, Scott said much work remains to be done, and the recognition of Juneteenth was an important step. 

"As we consider what we're seeing across the country right now, and the need to listen and learn about one another, and better understand the real legacy of racism in our country and institutions, I think it's fitting for us to celebrate this important event to better reflect on what it means to African Americans and to everyone who loves freedom and believes in the dignity of every life, and the American promise of equal rights and justice for all without exception," governor said.   

Xusana Davis, the state's executive director of racial equity, said it's especially important for white Vermonters to listen, learn and take action to help in this movement toward a more equitable society. 

"It is the moment of all white people in America and in Vermont, because it is your moment to act. It is perhaps more your moment than anyone else's," Davis said. “Because as people who wield outsized and often unearned power and privilege in our society, it’s especially important and necessary that you be the ones to exercise that privilege in a way that makes things more equitable for everyone.”  

She said turning self-education efforts into action is essential to changing the current situation.  

"It's important to listen and learn. ... And then , once you have listened, once you have learned, then you defer to the people who are impacted by this work, and then you act," Davis said. She noted there is an Action and Allyship Guide on the state's website, which offers ways to get involved in racial equity efforts.

State Rep. Kevin "Coach" Christie, chair of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, said as the state moves forward on efforts against racism, we must do the work  together. 

"Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to the mitigation of systemic racism in Vermont," he said.

Christie said he knew it was difficult to understand how Vermonters of color are feeling on this day, and he offered an example from his own life. 

"I ask you to think about a fellow black or brown Vermonter, and I ask you to consider, when was the last time you were told, 'Go back to the jungle?' That's what my daughter was told at a school here in Vermont." 

Scott pointed out another act of racism, when someone vandalized a Black Lives Matter mural soon after its creation on State Street in Montpelier.

"We need to look no further than the vandalism on State Street last weekend, to remind us that racism and discrimination are still far too prevalent in America today and in Vermont," he said.  

Davis said moving toward action was the most important focus, not guilt for what you didn't know before. 

"It's not about the shame of not knowing, it's not about the hurt or discomfort from that history, it's about, 'What are we going to do with the knowledge today, so that we don't repeat that history?’" 

— Gareth Henderson

For a better world

It is quite a time to be a journalist. There is no shortage of stories to develop, no shortage of angles, and plenty of important things happening simultaneously. It’s a fruitful garden of ideas, with words as their seeds.

As I look out over that landscape, I’m awed by what the world faces today. I’m coming to terms with how this earth experience has morphed over the past few weeks, and what it means for mankind. Two months ago, the main focus was the height of the pandemic and our collective reaction to it. We saw countless examples of how people were loving and caring for one another, even as the health crisis loomed. 

Then, after some weeks of progress on the COVID-19 situation, the national spotlight shined on a virus of a different kind, but too often unseen: racism. The death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer shook the nation’s consciousness, and, every moment, the issue demands resolution. It sparked proposals in Congress and also governmental action in some states, including New York and Vermont. The solution will take strong resolve in the coming weeks and months, to press on amid controversy and make sure local and regional systems continue the march toward justice. 

Even while this major issue persists, the impact of the pandemic remains an important factor well beyond the continuing public health precautions and forecasts. After complete shutdowns of states swept the country in March, the nation entered reset mode. People everywhere reassessed their lives on an unprecedented scale; they made necessary changes wondering if some of those changes should stay. At the same time, because so many needed the help of their neighbors, there was a wave of compassionate, graceful moments of kindness that uplifted us all, when we either experienced them, did them or heard about them. 

For the second time this year, our hearts and minds have been necessarily shaken, and our brothers and sisters need us. We are once again compelled to wake up to what has been, and what could be. I am convinced that the universal goodness we trusted and employed to uplift our neighbors is still here within all of us, no matter what the politics say or what tired cycles of thought would dictate. Something so strong doesn’t wash away, it only gets clouded over. And now, we have the opportunity to call on that power of love to confront racism, purge this world of hate, and embrace a renewed sense of unity for mankind. The lessons of the past few months have paved the way for good, and the people are demanding rightful change. Let’s combine the two, empower each other and make this a better place.

— Gareth Henderson 

A desire for change

Community members gather for a recent rally in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

Yesterday I wrote about the power of younger voices demanding racial justice, and today, I’m encouraged Vermonters are strengthening that movement and momentum is building.

A week after the words “Black Lives Matter” were painted on the road leading to the White House, the street facing the Vermont State House now bears the same message. Over 100 people reportedly gathered on Saturday morning to paint the words. The 20-foot message in yellow paint is unavoidable when going to the State House or passing by, which means many people will see the words every day, including those running the government. 

This is important, because we need reminders large and small, so that the awareness of inequality and injustice stays at the forefront of our minds as a community. That’s the basic requirement to move toward the change many Americans are demanding. The vandalism of the new mural, reported on Sunday, is a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

These issues are on the minds of lawmakers in our state, though it’s not yet clear what statewide proposals will come. Windsor County Sen. Alison Clarkson spoke at a recent rally in Woodstock. 

“We are all committed to changing our world one bill at a time, one life at a time,” she said, including her fellow legislators. 

In related news, the deadline passed on June 12 for applicants to the Racial Equity Task Force announced by Gov. Phil Scott this month following the national outcry about the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The panel will be chaired by Xusana Davis, the state’s executive director of racial equity. The state appears to be moving on this quickly, so hopefully an announcement will come soon once all the members are selected.

As the governor has said, the racial equity task force isn’t the whole solution for Vermont, but it’s a starting point. In response to a reporter’s question last week, he emphasized that we all have a role to play in addressing racism. Just declaring, “I’m not a racist,” is not sufficient, Scott said at the Wednesday briefing. 

“That’s not enough anymore,” he said. “What we need to do is be anti-racist, and we need to take action. It’s long overdue.” 

The unavoidable Black Lives Matter mural on the street in Montpelier shows a strong desire for meaningful change, and a desire to remind those in power, and those they represent, that this issue is not going away. By joining together in those calls for justice, we keep building the momentum this movement needs, toward the unity our future requires.

— Gareth Henderson

Following their lead

A few people gather on the Green ahead of the graduation parade in Woodstock, Vermont, on Friday. Young people have played a major role in protests for racial justice. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

“I follow his lead.” Those words were spoken by Rev. Leon Dunkley at the Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, last Tuesday. And they are the words I remember most from that afternoon, because he was referring to Tripp Overbay, a third-grader who has rallied his community around stopping racism and taking action for justice.

It was an impactful recognition of the courage of the young people who have powered this new movement for justice, equality and unity after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. We need their voices, and we need them every day, in order to stay focused on participating in this national push for change. As Tripp and others have said, part of that push will be in smaller steps which lead to the larger goal. 

One of those steps — and a hugely important one — is education, learning about what led us here. It is essential for white people like myself to understand the problem, to understand why life in the U.S. is different for our brothers and sisters of color. That is foundational to national progress on this issue, because one must understand a problem, in order to help resolve it and inspire others to do the same. 

This week, I took great inspiration from PBS NewsHour’s Friday coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement through the eyes of young Americans. One segment featured video statements by teenagers about the racial justice movement, and one important theme was conversations. Talking with family and friends about the tough issues, though sometimes difficult, will be key as the country tries to move forward. It is part of the path toward real understanding. 

I’m proud to say, I think many Vermonters are heading down that path, but of course, there is a vast amount of work to be done, here and throughout the country. It includes addressing injustices in housing, education, government and a host of other parts of society. But I’m greatly encouraged by the younger generations who are propelling us forward, and I hope more and more Americans will follow their lead, with love and compassion underpinning the work. Change is putting down roots. It’s time to help them grow.

— Gareth Henderson

A time to grow

When the signs of spring revved up in April and May, I wrote about the intersection of the COVID-19 era and the ultimate time of growth: spring. It was a case of the familiar next to the unfamiliar, the expected next to the unexpected. 

Reflecting back on the earlier days of lockdown, it was hard to imagine what else could alter life so greatly. Then came May 25, when George Floyd died under the knee of a police officer during an arrest in Minneapolis. And the national conversation shifted overnight to one of racism and the movement for justice. In an instant, all eyes were on our very democracy. How would it respond?

The people took the lead through protests, although a number of state government leaders spoke out against hate and division. The Black Lives Matter movement was re-ignited and over 700 cities and towns across America saw protests, rallies and vigils. More communities add to that number every day, with demonstrations including a wide range of races and ages.

The nation faces an immense challenge: to come together for change, at a time when it is greatly needed. Though it may seem like the country is greatly divided, there are generations young and old uniting around this new call for justice and racial equality. It has momentum, and, so far, I sense a humble willingness in many good people to speak up and take action. There will be much learning, much connecting, much growth involved in these efforts, if they are to be successful.

As that work continues, it is imperative to remember the innate goodness and love that unite us. We turn to those qualities naturally, like a plant turns toward the sun. As Rev. Leon Dunkley, of the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, Vermont, put it recently: "We are not separate from each other."

— Gareth Henderson 

Standing for justice

Rev. Leon Dunkley of the North Universalist Chapel Society addresses the crowd with Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish at his side during a Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

On the day of George Floyd’s funeral in Houston, the Woodstock, Vermont, community held a Black Lives Matter rally on Tuesday including multiple generations standing up for racial equality and justice. 

The national outcry against racism and calls for reform have continued ever since Floyd’s death two weeks ago, when a Minneapolis police officer arrested Floyd and put a knee on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

On Tuesday, dozens of cars lined Route 106 in Woodstock Village, minutes before they circled the green, many displaying signs, and headed to the high school to gather. At the head of the procession was Jane Curtis, 102, longtime Woodstock resident who has seen her share of protests over the decades, including for civil rights and during the Vietnam War. 

“I think it’s my duty to protest injustice,” she said, in the passenger seat next to her daughter, Katie Curtis Donahue, 75. “It may drag on, but it will be resolved. I think the U.S. can’t live with injustice.” 

Jane Curtis, 102, is shown leading the long line of cars at the start of Tuesday’s rally in Woodstock, Vermont, with her daughter, Katie Curtis Donahue, at right. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Curtis was encouraged to see the number of children, teenagers and families turning out for protests here and across the nation. 

“It’s the best thing I’ve seen in years, the young people,” she said. “They’re the future.” 

That trend continued when the rally reached the high school, with local third-grader Tripp Overbay addressing the crowd. He had organized a protest on Friday in the village, and encouraged others to help carry on the work. 

“We must be a part of the fight to stop racism,” Tripp said, adding, “We have to act now.” 

Tripp Overbay, a local third-grader, encourages his community to fight racism during the rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Organizer Gina McAllister then introduced Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish, who helped with traffic control for the rally along with his officers. He said the department was “saddened and outraged” when they saw Floyd’s final moments on video. Blish said what happened in Minneapolis goes against everything his department stands for.

“If one of us disgraces our profession, all of us are disgraced,” Blish said. “We have, and we continue to, walk the walk.”

He said 25 percent of his police force are officers of color, and that they follow “fair and impartial policing” policies which prohibit the use of chokeholds. 

Rev. Leon Dunkley, of the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, urged the crowd to remember what unites us. 

“We are not separate from one another,” he said. 

Multiple generations showed up for the Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Dunkley said we all have the opportunity to move change forward through our natural unity as people.

“This is a choice, to say ‘no’ to the violence we’ve seen on TV, to say ‘no’ to a casual brutality that happened over 8 minutes and 46 seconds, to say ‘no’ to the ongoing nature of this pain in our society,” he said. “Part of me resides in you, and part of you resides in me.” 

Dunkley also commended Tripp Overbay’s courage: “I follow his lead.” 

Also addressing the crowd was Bob Hager, former longtime NBC Nightly News correspondent and Woodstock resident. He recalled his time covering a Ku Klux Klan rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, and also the race riots and the Poor People’s March in Washington, D.C.

Hager spoke about a small minor league team in Lexington, North Carolina, that integrated its roster in 1960. The love of baseball was a unifying factor. He saw white people cheering on the black players, which was an immediate change — despite the fact that segregation was widespread at the time. 

“It was a small beginning and a humble beginning, but you’ve got to start somewhere,” Hager said. 

That sentiment has been reflected in the State House as well. Windsor County Sen. Alison Clarkson said lawmakers in Montpelier are united in addressing these issues, noting the outcry after the tragedy in Minneapolis. 

“It’s just torn the scab off the great national wound of racial inequity and subjugation,” she said. 

Clarkson noted Gov. Phil Scott last year appointed the state’s first racial equity director, Xusana Davis. She will chair the state’s new Racial Equity Task Force, as announced by the governor last week. 

“We are all committed to changing our world one bill at a time, one life at a time,” Clarkson said. 

That dedication to change is keenly felt among the younger generations, who were well represented at Tuesday’s rally. Ariel Brewer arrived at the rally with her three daughters, Adele, 11, Sage, 6, and Neva, 3. They all made signs, one a big red heart, the other stating “Black Lives Matter”, and the third insisting, “Our skin color should not define us.” Adele created the latter sign. 

“We look different on the outside, but we’re the same on the inside,” she said. 

Her mother senses a boldness in the younger generation, a quality she thinks should be harnessed for change. 

“I tell my daughters, ‘If there’s one thing you learn from me, it’s to speak for yourself,’” Brewer said. 

If the national discourse is any indication, they are being heard. 

— Gareth Henderson

Time of reflection

The deep, introspective thinking going on in the nation is palpable. Many have realized we are at a crucial moment in history, and with racial inequality rising to the forefront of the national discussion, we have an opportunity to look within ourselves and ask, "What can I do?"

It all starts with talking about the tough issues, asking the tough questions. I was encouraged this week at the many conversations which seemed to rise out of the national unrest after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Some of them took place when police showed solidarity with protesters, and they embraced that support from the officers. Moments like these are a starting point for dialogue, an important avenue for increasing people's understanding about the issues at hand. Only with true understanding and compassion for each other can a real difference be made.

In an unexpected way, the groundwork has been laid for that understanding. With many people at home for weeks due to the pandemic, there has been a firmer focus in many communities on neighbors and what they need. This shift to more unselfed thinking can help people rally around healing the wounds of racism and inequality.  To be sure, this is one in a veritable ocean of factors in this situation. But it could be helpful to spur change. 

As I reflect on these momentous couple of weeks — ones I will never forget — I'm in awe at what a profound opportunity awaits each community in this country. Literally every person has the ability to take steps in favor of love, compassion and inclusion. Those three qualities set us on the path to unite for meaningful change. It is a steep path, but one we have to take, and the time is now.

— Gareth Henderson 

A step toward change

When you think of press conferences, the Bible doesn’t usually come to mind. But this quote, recently mentioned at a press briefing in New York, particularly resonated with me amid today’s environment: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Let the good in us, overcome the bad in us. Let good take the upper hand and lead us forward. That message is very needed today, as the nation faces racial tensions in the wake of George Floyd’s death. In the aftermath of this tragedy, we all have a role to play for the betterment of society, which includes efforts around equality, inclusion, and constructive community-building. I believe those concepts are all part of creating true justice across the country, and some are beginning to envision what that would take. 

For starters, many are talking about communication. To be part of meaningful change, we have to communicate and connect with others to address racism and other forms of exclusion. Here in Vermont, we’re blessed with close-knit communities where it is easy to talk to one another and have real discussions. With that as a starting point, we can reach out to one another and include those who we may never have spoken with before, those who may be different from us, those we have disagreed with. 

This may seem like a small step to take, when one observes the news coverage of protests, commentators and rife politics. But as some have said in recent days, we all want to live good and peaceful lives. All people have that right. I believe that if we humbly and compassionately connect with each other to begin constructive dialogue, we lay the groundwork for understanding, and healing. We see each other. We build up. We let goodness lead. 

— Gareth Henderson

Opportunity for good

As I looked at the posters of the Class of 2020 surrounding the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont, today, I was reminded of how much good there still is in the world, despite current crises.

The nationwide outrage after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are the greatest challenges we face today, and they both demand that extremely important work be done. But first, it is important not to lose sight of how much propensity for love and kindness our people have. They’ve shown it many times over the past two months, and couldn’t that spirit of compassion be deployed, still, to help this country start to address this racial tension? 

That is possible, and necessary, and furthermore, it is the only way forward. From neighbors bringing each other groceries, to donations for relief funds and checking on someone’s well being, it’s important to remember that is who we really are. The greatest news is, we have an innate desire to help one another, and we’re very good at it. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the various ways people have stepped up for their communities, and they still inspire. 

It is tempting to think of the recent unrest as overcoming good, as cancelling out all the heart-felt good deeds of the past two months. Indeed, the tension is deeply troubling, and this moment, effective solutions seem very far away. But the beating heart of Americans’ love and compassion is still there. Cast in point: Volunteers are busy supporting traumatized communities who were already struggling amid the pandemic. While those who spread good may not have made every newscast, they’re still out there. And today, this country needs them more than ever, as we push toward progress together.

— Gareth Henderson

Seeking real change

A couple crosses Elm Street in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As the U.S. looks to find its way through the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd, Vermont’s leadership offered a statewide perspective today and announced steps forward.

Gov. Phil Scott’s press conference came after Sunday night’s protests, riots and looting throughout U.S. cities, including nearby Boston. It came a week after Scott and the Vermont State Police condemned the actions of police in Minneapolis that caused Floyd’s death.

On Monday, Scott called on all Vermonters to consider what they can do to address the issue of racial inequality.

“We must all make clear, enough is enough,” he said. 

Scott also urged people to understand the history that led up to this point. 

“While we’re watching the response across the country, it’s important to reflect on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, ‘A riot is the language of the unheard.’ They simply don’t know what else to do,” he said. “And for those who see the national protests and feel disdain instead of sympathy, just know, the reactions we’re seeing in cities around the country are the results of decades, actually centuries, of calls for help that went unheard.” 

The governor called Floyd’s death at the hands of police “barbaric and totally inexcusable,” saying the officers involved should be charged and tried for murder (one officer is facing a murder charge; three others were fired). Scott also mentioned the recent, and peaceful, protests which occurred in Vermont. 

“I assure you, we’re listening. We hear what you have to say,” he said, asking that future protests also be done “peacefully and safely,” especially amid the pandemic. 

Scott said we all should remember this about Floyd’s death: “It’s not an isolated incident.” Therefore, he added, just listening is not enough — action needs to be taken. 

On Monday, Scott announced the launch of a statewide Racial Equity Task Force, which had already been in the works for several months. He said the task force will: 

• Look at the disparities among COVID-19 infection and death rates and examine how to close those gaps. 

• Evaluate available supports for racially diverse populations. 

• Review current state and federal law on hate speech.

• Contemplate ways to encourage Vermonters from a range of racial and ethnic groups to run and serve in public office at all levels. 

The governor acknowledged the task force, the members of which will be announced next week, is not the whole solution. 

“It’s going to take some soul-searching and real change, individually, to make a difference,” Scott said. “We should take this time to reflect on what role each of us can play to end hate, racism and bigotry. And for those of us who are white, and not typically the victim of it, we have to take a very close look, because the reality is, it’s everywhere, even here.” 

Scott said hate and inequality pose a bigger long-term risk to the nation than even COVID-19. But we have the opportunity to address it, together.

“It just takes us, united, to make this a better country for everyone,” he said.

— Gareth Henderson