News – Page 7 – Bahá’ís of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio

Pandemic Grows Meditative Devotional

Here is how my meditation class became a devotional meeting for a few Bahá’ís and lots of other interested souls.

The format starts with guided relaxation to achieve a meditative state. Then I recite topical quotations from varied religious traditions, including a generous selection of my favorite Bahá’í Writngs, interspersed with music on my flute. We end with silent meditation to allow the sacred nature of the Writings to transform our hearts and souls.

Afterwards, some will stay to chat about their reactions to the quotes. This was the time for a lot of teaching by the Bahá’ís in attendance, since so many of the “Community of Interest” admired the beautiful quotes.

Race Unity Day Becomes Race Unity Week

Update: Detailed schedules added.

Race Amity Day, a tradition started in 1921, will take on special significance this year, given the enormity of the events of the past 12 months.

In Columbus and Dayton Ohio, the Bahá’ís and Interfaith Forums will coordinate a series of in-person gatherings that will also be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live.

The following weekend, Dr. Eric Dozier will lead a musical reflection on the history and significance of Juneteenth.

June Race Unity Events in Dayton — Join Online

Join the Dayton Ohio Interfaith Forum in June to celebrate the Centennial of the first Race Amity Conference.

Including a presentation on June 19th by Eric Dozier on the Significance of Juneteenth — Black Cultural Arts and Dialog — from Emancipation to today.

Michigan Governor Meets with Baha’is

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer met via Zoom with members of the Bahá’í community on March 9, in response to a letter she received from Paul Harrison of Ann Arbor. After consulting with the Ann Arbor Spiritual Assembly, Paul had asked for an appointment to present her with a certificate of appreciation for the work she has been doing for justice and equity in the state. The governor wanted to meet with Baháí’s before setting up a meeting to receive the certificate.

Sixteen New Core Activities Initiated by Neighborhood Youth in Grand Rapids

How was this possible during the pandemic?
What insights were gained?

During the pandemic, the SE Neighborhood Team in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has advanced towards sustaining nearly 20 core activities, on the way to a vision of thousands of families engaged. Here are some insights from the team on the process of growth.

Multi-Racial Living Experience — Focus of March RJU Forum

The March 1 session of the Racial Justice and Unity Forum explored the Multi-Racial Unity Living experience (MRULE), a 25-year (and counting!) effort to build multi-racial community among undergraduate students at Michigan State University, and the insights it offers for those concerned with community building and racial justice and unity.

The three presenters gave an overview of the origins and inner workings of the program and its development over time.

April 12, 2021 — Light Up the Night and Your Neighborhood

Akin and Gayle will share insights they have gained from grassroots community-building initiatives in their neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana — inspired by messages from the Bahá’í World Centre to contribute to the betterment of the world at the local level. They felt a deep desire to get to know their neighbors and have their neighbors come to know them. Taking one small step at a time led to numerous creative developments resulting in new friendships and activities.

Yellow Springs Bahá’ís Discover New Racial Awareness

In the aftermath of the George Floyd incident, there were 23 consecutive weeks of Black Lives Matter rallies in Yellow Springs. These rallies were organized primarily by youth in our town, some of whom had gone through local Bahá’í children’s programs. Inspired by the rallies and in solidarity with our youth and BLM initiatives taking place around the country, Cyprian Sajabi, my wife, Elaine, and I held what turned out to be three consecutive Zoom devotionals on racial justice issues.

A Tiny Message of Hope During Pandemic Days

Dear fellow wanderers on the path,

Have you ever wondered why, if every heart has been prepared to recognize truth and accept the Blessed Beauty, that there isn’t more of a rush to enter this garden of delight available to all humankind? Even though I have some idea of the wonder of God’s timing in all things, I have become discouraged off and on. Until now. Here’s my story.

Making Dreams into Reality—Honoring King Legacy

“Living the Dream – A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” was the focus of the presentation by Dr. Gwen Etter-Lewis at the fifth Racial Justice and Unity Forum on January 11, 2021.

What an amazing experience to be part of this Forum gathering – with 200 registered participants, of which 45 were seekers. More than 35 Bahá’ís volunteered to be facilitators of the breakout groups – 17 each having about 12 participants, in addition to two facilitators.