A quick message from Louise to remind us that taking time to rest and enjoy our family and friends is an act of resistance in itself.

Dear Kent Street Friends, I wanted to let you know I have decided to take the rest of the summer away from my Kent Street work for a chance to rest, renew and restore. I came across these wise words and realized that it had been far too long since I had given myself time to just be and let my inner self recalibrate:Rest is also an opportunity to reflect because it allows us to take stock of what’s going on inside and shatters the myth that the only real social justice work happens outside of us. Rest forces us to reconcile the close relationship between our inner journey and how we show up on in the world on the outside. ~ Shawn Ginwright, PhD The Four Pivots: Reimaging Justice, Reimagining Ourselves  There’s no denying that these are hard and difficult times, times that try our souls. In such times (people wiser than me tell us that) taking the opportunity to rest is an act of rebellion – that joy and hope and happiness are acts of resistance. We have seen that the goal of tyranny is to wear us out and wear us down. We must refuse to let this happen. So… stepping away for a time – to enjoy family, to travel, to unplug – is a way to re-charge, re-engage, and re-commit – a way to resist.   If you are finding that you, too, need some time away, take Banksy’s words to heart: If you are tired learn to rest not quit. Because we can’t afford for anyone to quit, but we can always afford for people to rest.

Please know that while I may be taking a break, it doesn’t mean Kent Street is taking a break. Things may be a bit slower over the summer, but our KSC leadership team will be making sure to keep you all updated and informed through Kent Street Happenings, action alerts, and emails. You can also visit our website at KentStreetCoalition.org for updates. If you need to connect, please reach out at kentstreetcommunications@gmail.com and our team will put you in touch the folks who are best able to help.   It has always been true at Kent Street that we value everyone’s contributions, whatever they may be, and that it is the shared resoluteness in our hearts that is the critical foundation of our work. Please know that you are valued and appreciated. I’ll look forward to seeing folks in September! With eyes on the prize, Louise