Resistance Is An Act of Love

“When we love, we can let our hearts speak.” bell hooks (1952-2021) wrote that sentence in the preface to her book, All About Love. She was an influential American author, civil rights activist and educator known for her work on race, gender, class and love. Born Gloria Jean Watkins in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, she adopted the pen name ‘bell hooks’ in honor of her great-grandmother and to emphasize the ideas in her work over her own identity. She believed that one’s faith and values were inextricably interwoven into one’s politics.

Did You Know:

On January 20, 2025, Hoosiers for Democracy will host a Reclaim, Rebuild, and Resist Rally that commemorates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and stands in resistance to the inauguration of a President who promises to unravel the constitution and ignores the rule of law. The rally is an act of love for our constitution and the foundational American values of liberty, equality and justice for all. We know these values are not applied equally, that many in our country are denied basic human and civil rights that others are afforded. We know that these values are under further assault by our incoming state and federal administrations. We stand in resistance to that assault.

(Simulated image generated by AI)

Why It Matters:

It is thought that Carrie Chapman Catt, a suffragist and founder of the League of Women Voters, said that ‘democracy is not a spectator sport’. Now is not the time to be a spectator to the spectacle that is happening in our state and our country. Despite our disillusionment, disappointment, despair and heartbreak, we must not allow ourselves to sit on the sidelines of politics. We need to stand up for our Constitution and our commitment to E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one. So join us as we:

• Reclaim the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Rebuild a stronger more inclusive society and the democratic institutions that are being threatened

• Resist the policies and actions that undermine our freedoms and civil rights.

What We Can Do:

Commit to being an engaged and informed citizen, especially in this perilous moment. H4D will continue to inform you of ways in which to exercise your rights and responsibilities.

Put on your coats, boots, mittens, warm hats and join us in song, inspired readings, and a diverse lineup of speakers as we ‘let our hearts speak’ for what we love most about this country. Reclaim, Rebuild, and Resist Rally, January 20, 2025, 10:00am-Noon, University Park, 325 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.