urbanspirit: the short story
Maybe you remember us from our days in this old Lutheran Church in Louisville’s Portland neighborhood?
We began in 2001, intent to help folks of means understand poverty in America. Over the years, hundreds of youth and adults experienced here the devastating reality of justice “American style,” many through a simulation of life at minimum wage; and many others completed our advanced leadership programs. Others came for internships, fellowships and advanced academic requirements.
We also went to them: community boards, public school faculty professional development, college, high school and elementary school groups, church leadership workshops — wherever we could speak a word of justice and wellbeing.
Along the way, we hosted some pretty special groups:
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers came to Louisville in the spring of 2005 to amp up the Taco Bell boycott (since the parent company is located in Louisville), and we were excited to celebrate when labor won and the boycott ended that week. Such a party!
The Al-Rowwad Children’s Theatre from Aida Refugee Camp of Bethlehem stayed with us for their week in Louisville, one of three stops on a US Goodwill Tour. We learned first-hand that common language — or even common faith — isn’t necessary for sharing a common meal and developing friendship.
Our participants over the years came from 27 US states, from both coasts and northern and southern borders; from a variety of faith traditions including Christian, Jewish and Muslim, from churches including UCC, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Baptist and Methodist; and from colleges and universities, from D-I to small and private. Our participants have been black, white, LatinX, Asian/Pacific Islander. Adults who have experienced our program are teachers, ministers, social workers, graphic designers, business owners, builders, drivers, attorneys, professors, parents and grandparents. And a couple of folks related to US Congressional members. (We hope we changed Thanksgiving dinner chat just a little.)
The world has changed since 2001. The US has changed a lot, even in these past few years. We intend to continue teaching people about how faith speaks to economics, and what politics, race and all the rest have to say to each other. This is who we’ve always been; this is what we do.