Healing Justice Committee Update – August 26, 2025
Our Healing Justice Committee gathered this week in a spirit of love, courage, and action. We opened with a grounding prayer from UUA’s Braver/Wiser:
“Even as fear abounds and reverberates, may I notice the life-saving, persistent presence of Love. May I be that love for others.” — Manish Mishra-Marzetti
That theme of love-in-action carried us through powerful updates, reflections, and new calls to justice.
Women’s Equality Day
On this Women’s Equality Day, we were reminded of the decades-long struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment. Our members have been pushing for over 50 years, and the call is simple: sign on, speak up, and keep pressing forward until equality is fully recognized. Sign and Share the ERA Petition. We also encourage everyone to contact their Senators and urge them to vote NO on the Save Act by clicking here: Write My Letter
Race: The Power of an Illusion Film Series
The Race: The Power of an Illusion series has been a moving reminder of how history shapes the present. We had 41 people at the first session and 39 at the second, both in-person and online. The conversations have been timely, energizing, and deeply relevant. Upcoming sessions:
- August 31st
- September 14th
Rev. Edith shared this powerful Instagram reflection on doing the internal work of anti-racism: Click here to read.
Immigration Justice Updates
This continues to be a central focus of our work. Amanda shared urgent updates:
- Everglades Detention Center: Environmental harm arguments have temporarily won in court, with an order to shut down the facility, but the state will appeal. Vigils and demonstrations continue—bring water, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and hope.
- Community Action: The Guatemalan Maya Center hosted an interfaith vigil, and we stand with them in solidarity.
- Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Released from jail, then rearrested at his immigration hearing. Now facing deportation to Uganda. We will keep raising our voices.
- Upcoming Protests & Vigils:
- Aug. 30 – Boca City Hall protest against ICE
- Sept. 5 – Protest at FAU over their 287(g) agreement
- Sept. 10 – Interfaith vigil (details to come)
- Sept. 10 – BRICA Immigration Vigil at St. Gregory’s, 7:00 pm
- Calls to Action:
- Opposing Palm Beach County’s 287(g) agreement—emails and calls to the Sheriff and legislators are essential.
- Learn more at GroundAvelo.com about protests against Avelo Airlines transporting detained immigrants from Palm Beach International Airport.
- Report ICE activity through the RAISE hotline: 888-600-5762.
Amanda is also exploring a Zoom learning session on 287(g) and immigration justice—stay tuned.
We are also planning a creative skit and postcard-writing campaign on Sept. 21st during coffee hour to raise awareness about ICE practices.
Reproductive Justice
No major updates this month, but our commitment to reproductive freedom remains strong.
LGBTQ+ Justice
The fight for visibility and dignity is alive in Delray Beach. The Pride rainbow crosswalks are under attack, with the federal government ordering their removal nationwide. Local communities are resisting this erasure:
- Delray Beach is holding an administrative hearing on Sept. 2 in Orlando.
- Orlando police are “guarding” the Pulse Memorial rainbow crosswalk against repainting.
For those who want to help, here are trusted organizations supporting LGBTQIA2S+ communities and mental health:
- ACLU Florida
- SAVE https://www.save.lgbt/donate
- Compass Community Center https://compasslgbtq.com/donate/
- Pridelines https://pridelines.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=1667&campaign_id=0&selected-method=one-time&amount=50
- Aqua Foundation https://aquafoundation.org/donate/
- Latinos Salud https://checkout.square.site/merchant/PHFMQ5CDZXC23/checkout/N6E4N364TEQNZOFFP6HFHLES
- Equality Florida https://act.eqfl.org/a/donate?ms=webdonate&_ga=2.8534838.249937457.1755891452-1282883623.1755720722
- SAGE https://give.sageusa.org/give/501252/#!/donation/checkout
- PFLAG https://pflag.org/donate/
PEACE Update
Betty shared important next steps with PEACE (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts):
- Sept. 11 – Attend the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission meeting on racial equity and ICE holds. (301 N. Olive Ave., 7th Floor, West Palm Beach)
- Sept. 28 – After service at UUFBR: PEACE Listening Session with Paige Shortsleeves, PEACE Director. Each fall, PEACE begins by listening—your stories shape the campaigns we take on.
Next Healing Justice Committee Meeting
September 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm
A Closing Reminder
Our committee embodies the truth that justice is love in action. Whether you show up at a vigil, sign a petition, make a phone call, or simply hold space for others in prayer and conversation—you are part of this movement.
Stay connected, stay hopeful, and let’s keep moving forward together!