Unitarian Church in Westport Rededicate Black Lives Matter Banner

 

Black Lives Matter Banner Rededicated on September 17

 

On Sunday, September 17, The Unitarian Church in Westport dedicated a Black Lives Matter banner to replace the one that was ripped down and stolen during the night of August 23.

In opening the program the Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, Senior Minister at The Unitarian Church in Westport, described the outpouring of support from the community for the message of inclusion and love behind the banner as being “absolutely incredible.”

Talking about the banner’s message, Rev. Morehouse said: “When we say black lives matter we’re not saying that they matter more than other lives, we’re just saying black lives matter.  There’s a reality in America today that black lives really don’t matter as much as other lives.”

Westport’s First Selectman Jim Marpe and Reverend Cass Shaw, President and CEO of The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, who both participated in the dedication of the first banner on October 9, 2016, were present.

Rev. Shaw spoke about the conversations that the Council of Churches is facilitating between The Unitarian Church and Messiah Baptist Church in Bridgeport and the importance of building relationships where we listen to each other’s stories with openness and respect. 

She concluded by saying: “I believe that every time this banner gets taken down consciousness gets raised, people pay more attention and understand how silent we’ve been and how much more ground we have to cover before we can really say that we are honestly partnering with brothers and sisters of color.”

First Selectman Marpe’s comments focused on a Westport community that stands for the free and open exchange of ideas.  He said, “You may differ in your opinion but you have no business doing the kind of vandalism and extreme activity that resulted in us having to have this re-dedication.”

Also speaking were Catherine Onyemelukwe representing TEAM Westport, the towns diversity committee, and Lynda Bluestein, President of the church’s Board of Trustees.

Rev. Morehouse ended the program saying: “This banner is hereby dedicated to the cause of tolerance and understanding in our community so that we may find our way forward in these dark times.”