Community members gathered at Riverside Community Church in Hood River on January 19, 2024, to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.. The event, themed “Hope is in Our Hands,” featured a musical performance by gospel singer Cynta Butts and an engaging panel discussion that highlighted the importance of unified action in today’s challenging sociopolitical landscape.
The panel discussion was led by Rev. Vickie Stifter, who moderated a conversation with five panelists representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. Each panelist shared their perspectives on themes of joy, hope, heartbreak, and advocacy, reflecting the complexities of the current climate. Stifter opened the dialogue by acknowledging the difficulties many face, stating, “We want to acknowledge the fact that these are hard times. Sometimes we get so focused on responding to hard times that we forget to pause and recognize that there’s some lament needed.”
The panel included insightful voices such as Breen Goodwin, director of the Columbia Gorge Food Bank; Amber Rose, community engagement coordinator at the Hood River Latino Network; Kit Clasen, project coordinator for the Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance; August Oaks, creative producer with Black in the Gorge; and Rosie Strange, a registered member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and project coordinator for Áqwłtpwisha Chúushna, a Native American support program under the Columbia Board Health Council.
Panelists explored various personal experiences and collective struggles. When asked about sources of joy, Oaks mentioned gardening as a therapeutic outlet, while Strange emphasized the importance of community and movement in her life. Clasen highlighted the value of rekindled relationships, especially within the queer community.
Stifter also asked the panelists about their emotional responses to current events. Goodwin noted the profound sadness stemming from cuts in federal funding for food resources, stating, “There have been a lot of tears this year… my whole team has cried.” Strange expressed her grief regarding global injustices, particularly the suffering in Palestine, and the impact it has on Indigenous communities.
The discussion shifted to the theme of hope, with panelists reflecting on moments that inspire them. Rose recalled a significant march in April, where an unprecedented number of people came together, energizing the community. Oaks emphasized the role of empathy in fostering connections, while Strange found hope in her children and the acknowledgment of grief as a vital part of healing.
As the conversation progressed, Stifter posed a critical question about challenges facing the community in the year ahead. Strange pointed out the lack of representation among BIPOC individuals in the audience, urging attendees to reach out beyond their immediate circles. “We can become the people that we need in our community, but it’s a matter of getting to know each other,” she said.
Clasen urged attendees to engage with current events, regardless of their discomfort, emphasizing that awareness is essential for safety and community well-being. Rose highlighted the pervasive issues of class and systemic inequality, declaring, “We’re experiencing a class war driven by white supremacy and patriarchy.”
Goodwin concluded the discussion by stressing the interconnectedness of various social issues, from food insecurity to immigration rights. “This is not a food issue. This is a power issue. So many of our challenges are interrelated,” she stated.
The MLK Day celebration at Riverside Community Church served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, encouraging participants to foster hope and action within their communities. As the event concluded, attendees left inspired to engage in meaningful conversations and collective efforts aimed at positive change.
