Recap

By Dan Carriόn

So a few days ago we got to meet some folks who do local justice work, their names were Dennis and Rick. It was a really interesting talk because they have been doing this work for a good deal of time, and have a nice, complimentary work relationship and friendship. Anyway, the guy named Rick was really interesting because he was so charismatic and involved in the work he does. He framed organizing in terms of karate, and positioning yourself to have the ‘superior’ ground. He also said some stuff that I didn’t necessarily agree with, but it seems as if time, age, and difficult organizing work has weathered and jaded him and transformed his opinions. He alluded that time has made him more of a pragmatist, and accepting of capitalism, rather than his ‘Marist days’.

We also did a textual reflection on a bible reading: Naomi and Ruth. These reflections have really been a big deal for me, as I generally consider myself agnostic and have little connection and work with the bible. Sometimes, I have a hard time reading bible passages because the style is obviously different than modern English, but I think that I put up a block to working with religious things due to bad past experience. However, this time around, the text really spoke to me. I was exhilarated by the text, and I found a lot of connections between theoretical analysis and observed realities, so my brain was really sparking. These connections were apparently visible because Willie approached me later to tell me that he appreciated my comments and insights…that was really exciting for me. To have Willie Baptist compliment you is just amazing, no matter what.

Yesterday we went to Matewan, WV. This was a really cool experience because we got to see the movie beforehand, and learn some of the history. Matewan was not that exciting of a place by itself, but in the context of the history and its legacy, it was riveting. It spoke to me because it was a labor movement that was SO threatening that their adversaries resorted to mass death and killing to try to get their way. The government and company did not want unionizing, and would do anything to tear it apart. There was, however, so much kinship (out of necessity) in that place and people organizing across color and nationality lines that was really intense and powerful. I don’t know, I just feel like there is a powerful legacy when people started saying that their bodies WILL NOT become another piece of the commodity chain, or a variable source (and aim) of inequality.

After a long day, we returned and were all hanging out. During that time, Carl proposed to Derrick that the three of us go in the chapel and sing a little bit. What happened was that Derrick turned it into a singing lesson/workshop/boot camp. It was really intense and powerful. For a long time, I gave up on music because I perceived it as my selfish pursuit. I saw no value in it outside of personal value. However, yesterday, I was reminded that music is another language, it is storytelling, it is lived experience, it is love, spirituality and passion…and it has a very important role in the movement to end poverty. We did little exercises where the rhythms permeated my body and consciousness. During that singing, my voice just followed my body, and my body was just following emotion.

I have found that I have developed some relationships here that I never want to let go of. I have shared the deepest tears and the strongest laughter with these people in such a short amount of time. I have shared some awesome experiences so far, and will hopefully continue to do so.