Dear friends,
On Wednesday morning, my son Ryan texted that an ICE raid and shooting had occurred less than a block from his Minneapolis apartment. He wanted us to know he was okay, but everyone was afraid for the woman who had been shot and the Somali and Hispanic immigrants. As we now know, Renee Nicole Good was already dead, having been shot three times at close range by an ICE agent. And then, despite contradictory videos from several angles, we have been told lies from the top.
How do we hold onto hope when we’re outraged?
“…Yesterday, all over Twitter, the people of Minneapolis kept posting things along the lines of having panic attacks, but going to have a little lunch or charge their phones and then head back to the streets to try and keep their neighbors safe.
This courage moves me almost to tears. I wish us praying people could pray a fast turnaround—Remember Flip Wilson saying, “I’m about to pray. Anybody need anything?” This isn’t how it works. How it works is each of us doing one small good thing, every day.
All the courage I’m seeing around me thrusts me into these deep days of winter, where I notice is how the slant of light is exquisite.” ~Anne Lamott
Renee Good was a mother, wife, poet, widow, friend, and kind neighbor. I too lived in south Minneapolis as a young woman. I too wanted to support my neighbors. I will continue to say her name.
“Say My Name” live at The Warming House in Minneapolis with Ryan.
I know we’re exhausted, but let’s not give into violence or fear. And let’s stick together.
You bring me hope,
Joy
Joy Zimmerman is a folk and acoustic roots singer-songwriter creating community through music. A multi-instrumentalist with a rich, clear voice, Joy blends insightful songwriting, fiddle tunes, and storytelling into performances that leave a lasting impact. Her latest album, Where the Light Lives, debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Chart. Dani Goodband of Lakeside Music calls her “a show any host would line up to present.” joyzimmermanmusic.com