The NC Council of Churches is proud to publish a brand new e-book collection of testimonies from Moral Mondays. With 32 short vignettes from North Carolinians across the state, Voices of Moral Mondays tells the story of everyday folks being motivated to speak out on account of their faith. Many, though not all, of the accounts describe what it was like to engage in civil disobedience and be arrested by the authorities. Click here to download the free e-book.
By Willona Stallings, NC Council of Churches, Raleigh
I had the pleasure of joining a distinct group of social activists at a Moral Monday rally in downtown Raleigh. I decided to participate because my faith calls me to care for the least among us and to stand on the right side of justice. Also, the fact that so many people had traveled from near and far to have their voices heard was a great motivating factor for me.
I live and work in Raleigh, just minutes from Halifax Mall – so if my brothers and sisters could take the time to catch a bus, make a sign or invite a friend along, surely I could do the same.
As a young African American woman, I reap the benefits of social change – made possible by my ancestors and other civil rights activists – each and every day. It’s hard to imagine not having the basic necessities to enjoy life, put food on the table or to pay my bills.
Unfortunately, that’s the harsh reality that so many of my brothers and sisters are facing as a result of poor leadership and policymaking at all levels of government, particularly at the state level.
My participation in one of the Moral Monday rallies was incredibly impactful. It was powerful to see people from all different walks of life coming together to offer up a unified voice against injustice. Some were even willing to be arrested, while others, like me, were simply there to offer support in some small way – by chanting, holding up a sign, cheering for those who were being arrested, or by joining in song.
Every action, no matter how great or how small, made a difference. If nothing else, it showed those who stand on the other side of these important humanitarian issues that we won’t go down without a fight; that they can’t keep grabbing the tail of a lion without hearing its courageous roar!
We were all created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; to be given a fair shot at this thing called life.
It was a pleasure to be in the company of so many brave, compassionate souls down at Halifax Mall. Thank you for your shining example! Together, we shall overcome.
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