On January 19, 2024, community members gathered at Riverside Community Church in Hood River to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.. The event, themed “Hope is in Our Hands,” featured a performance by gospel singer Cynta Butts and an engaging panel discussion aimed at fostering dialogue and unified action among attendees.
The panel was moderated by Rev. Vickie Stifter, who introduced five panelists representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives. They shared personal experiences and insights on navigating the complex emotional landscape of hope, joy, and advocacy in today’s sociopolitical climate.
Voices of Resilience
Rev. Stifter opened the discussion by acknowledging the challenges faced by many in the community. “We want to acknowledge the fact that these are hard times,” she stated. “Sometimes we get so focused on responding to hard times that we forget to pause and recognize that there’s some lament needed.”
Among the panelists was Breen Goodwin, the director of the Columbia Gorge Food Bank, who spoke about the emotional toll of recent federal funding cuts for food assistance programs. “There have been a lot of tears this year; there will be tears today,” Goodwin reflected. “We encourage it because we have to keep moving forward; we still have food to move.”
Another panelist, Amber Rose, community engagement coordinator at the Hood River Latino Network, emphasized the importance of community solidarity. “It’s the people; it comes back to the people and what we can do in this moment,” she noted, recalling a recent march that drew an unprecedented number of participants.
Panelists also highlighted the significance of personal connections and moments of joy amid adversity. Kit Clasen, project coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, shared, “Community is a big piece right now. New and rekindled relationships and partnerships, especially with the queer community, have been lovely.”
Finding Hope and Addressing Challenges
As the discussion progressed, the panelists addressed the pressing issues facing their community. August Oaks, a creative producer with Black in the Gorge, spoke about the healing power of empathy. “Most of us have very similar values. If you remember to have a bit more empathy, you can engage in conversations with a broader perspective,” Oaks said.
Panelists also voiced concerns about the visibility of marginalized communities. Rosie Strange, a registered member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, urged the audience to seek out and support people outside their immediate circles. “Looking around this room, there aren’t many BIPOC individuals. Why are they hiding? Now more than ever, we need to show up for people outside of our circles,” Strange emphasized.
The conversation turned to the broader societal issues affecting their work. Goodwin pointed out that food insecurity is not merely a food issue but a larger power and class issue. “This is not a food issue. This is a power issue. So many of our challenges are interrelated: colonialism and capitalism,” she explained.
The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging attendees to engage more deeply with the issues impacting their community. As the panelists shared their experiences and aspirations, the message was clear: collective action is essential for addressing the challenges faced by their community.
The celebration not only honored the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. but also inspired participants to take meaningful steps toward unity and advocacy in the face of ongoing challenges.
