“We are here, today, to speak out loud – because you have decided not to stay silent.

We are here, today, because all life, every person is a precious gift –

and all people are not yet treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.  That all of us deserve.

We are here, today, because this congregation took a bold step:

Adding its voice to so many other voices around this country calling for the full humanity of Black people.

Full humanity, and full opportunity – in education, jobs, housing, public safety, and in the criminal justice system.

We are here, today, to say out loud that Black Lives Matter.