Perpetual Good

American history from the 1950's and 1960's is full of images of civil rights conflicts, and as many marches for equality as there were, there were an equal number of protests against fair and equal treatment of citizens of African descent. One notable story involves a little girl, Ruby Bridges who by entering William Frantz Elementary School set off a series of angry protests and the withdrawal of every white student from the school by parents who believed that black and white people should remain separate.

Yet years before Ruby made her historic walk to the school, the community of Sunnyhills in Milpitas California was being formed as the first planned racially-integrated community in the United States. Sunnyhills was not mandated by the government, but by the people who lived and worked there, and serves as an example of what can happen when people decide to take action and do things different.

This week, I have the privilege of speaking with Donnie Eiland, Executive Producer of "54", a documentary on the founding of the Sunnyhills community, and about what makes this community so special.
Theme Music: Wild and Windy by BledJon, featuring Linnea Locsin
Additional Audio: Soaring Above the Waves, by Rolikmusic

Link to Documentary "54"

Episode Art: Photo by Rajiv Perera on Unsplash

When all that seems to be published is gloom and doom and bad news, hearing something good can be a breath of fresh air. But if it stays as just something we hear, it can last just as long as that breath. I have seen evidence of more good in the community and the world, much of it happening without fanfare or camera coverage. I felt it was time to not only share these stories, but to see how we can perpetuate it... use existing good to prompt us to do even more. This is the beginning of a journey to uncover that good, and challenge us to do more.

Episode Art: Photo by Chau Cédric on Unsplash

At no time in human history is the following phrase more apropos:

No man is an island. - John Donne, 17th century English poet

It may take a special person to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps and make a name for themselves, but those people rarely make great superheroes. Real superheroes are always focused outward, on those in their community, and do whatever they can to make the community better.

This week, we focus on stories of good, of people who are doing just that, and you get to hear part 1 of my conversation with Nate Frazier, founder of SwellPDX, founder of CoBa.fm and CoBaCares. He will tell you though, he is just a guy who loves people and loves to share. That is what community is all about.

Credits

• Abby the Superhero, c/o Black Culture News - https://www.instagram.com/tv/CE4X8ZhqFCe/
• Robert Paylor's Journey - https://www.robertpaylor.com/
• Counting by 7's, Holly Goldberg Sloan - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15937108-counting-by-7s
• Hospital Security Guard Spreads Joy, c/o CNN - https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/07/us/former-marine-security-guard-cheers-medical-workers-covid-19/index.html
• Theme music: Wild & Windy, by BledJon - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ltysRaurVa4adslDIW6qV
• Additional sounds: Smooth Baseline, by Zagi2, provided by Freesound.org
• Episode Art: Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash

It would seem to be an easy thing to talk about the good things that are happening, but many times, it is a struggle. Facing the complexities of a world in conflict, it is very easy to be dragged into negative thinking and fear, and think that it is worthless to pursue good. Good, however has to be a choice - it is the tough sacrificial choice, and the one that must be made if we are to see any change in our communities.

I start this episode with the epic poem, Still I Rise by none other than Maya Angelou, broadcast May 28 2014 on NPR radio. I think it so encapsulates the challenge and struggle that we must take. Knock me down, hate me, talk about me, kill me with your words, and yet I will rise, with Good.

Credits:

Theme music: Wild & Windy by BledJon

Still I Rise - Maya Angelou

Episode Art: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

In this episode, we look at a number of stories of people who apply their passions to the situations they are experiencing, and by doing so are able to do good for their family, friends and their community. If you are wanting to do something but are not sure what or how, start with the basics: what is in your heart, and what do you love to do.

The stories show us that it doesn't take much, as long as it's done with a lot of heart.

I hope you are inspired by the stories of good, not just for what the individuals are doing, but that you are inspired to reach out and do good for your own community.

Credits:

Celebration - Kool & The Gang

Antony Cauvin story - published by The Independent

Drexell & Honeybees Restaurant - https://www.drexellandhoneybees.com/

Willie Ray's Q Shack - https://willieraysqshack.com/

Kits Cubed - https://www.kitscubed.com/

Theme music by BledJon - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ltysRaurVa4adslDIW6qV

Background sounds - https://freesound.org/

Episode Art: Photo by Quan Nguyen on Unsplash