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A Special Edition of
Rebecca's Urban Ecology Adventures
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Greetings!
Many of you know my work takes me to many places, as does my writing. A few of you have followed my obituary columns in memory of the many relations and beloved creatures who have passed away in the last few years. Two years ago this month, one of those obituaries was for Rebecca Keith Finney. And some of you know about the work that I began in Boston almost 15 years ago as a founder, and Lead Organizer of Cooperative Economics for Women (CEW). Life, in some ways, is all about transitions -- seasons come and go, beloved persons pass away, organizations change, CEW is in a big transition. I want to tell you about it and ask for your help, this one time,in the name of my Aunt Rebecca, for an organization that is crucial to the communities it serves (and yes, the picture below is of a younger me with my aunt).
Read On:
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Cooperative Economics for Women in Revere Massachusetts
CEW opened an office in Revere MA in 2004. After a decade of organizing with immigrant and refugee women in greater Boston we responded to the urging of our North Shore members to open an office in Revere. And then we made an amazing discovery. No one was providing any services to immigrant and refugee women in this city that was 30% newcomers! We rolled up our sleeves and went to work with primary leadership coming from Fatou Fatty. CEW quickly went from about 20 North Shore participants to over 100 women, children and a few men learning advocacy, leadership skills, and US culture through our innovative programs: ESL Women in Action, Children's Program, Food Security Program and Domestic Violence Organizing.
Five years later our numbers continue to grow and our presence is even more necessary. There is no one like us in Revere, or Lynn or Saugus. But like many non-profits in this economy, we are worried. Our donor numbers are down just as we are attempting to move to immigrant leadership at all levels of the organization. For the first time I am coming to you with this urgent appeal and an opportunity. Help me remember my dear aunt, Rebecca Keith Finney (yes, we share a birthday and a name, but she was a far finer woman than I will ever be) by making a financial contribution to CEW.
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The Rebecca Keith Finney Memorial Campaign for Cooperative Economics for Women
I probably should devote a special newsletter or web journal entry about my Auntie Becks and the amazing woman she was. One brief story will help you understand why I want to remember her in this way.
Rebecca Finney was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church, and, before her arthritis made it impossible for her to attend she served as a leader in the Women's Auxiliary. Her church was typical in every way. When I was a not-so-young lesbian, still not officially out to her, she told me the story of all the gay men in the choir who had lost their partners to AIDS, how they had no one to go to, and that she tried to help the best she could. She then asked me when I was going to tell her about my life, and current girlfriend.
Aunt Becky took care of people and encouraged them to live and love in the way that made sense for them, while not hurting anyone else in the process. She would have loved CEW's members if she had had the chance to travel and meet them. Women from all over the world seeking safety and justice. And she would have helped in any way she could. I am asking you to do just that, in her name. Click here to help CEW raise $10,000 by the end of November. Any amount would be appreciated and your gift will be matched by a generous donor who had the chance to meet my auntie to bring us to a total of $20,000.
Write Aunt Becky in the area for comments when you use the Pay Pal button or email me, and I will keep track of how many of us give in Rebecca Finney's name.
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November 21 -- Submerged Reading at  Wooden Shoe Books in Philadelphia
It seems the East Coast can't get enough of Submerged! A few of us will be reading at Wooden Shoe Books.
It's a great way to prepare for Thanksgiving as every part of the purchase price of every copy of Submerged: Tales from the Basin benefits Katrina zone projects. I will be reading from A Brief History of My Nappy Head, which is in Submerged, as well Lonesome Refugees, about Katrina, the Blues and the 1927 flood,which appeared in Callaloo in 2007.
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Thank you for all your support of my writing and work. Wishing you a pleasant and insightful Autumn. And pleasant memories of all those special relations in your life who have moved on to the other side.
Best wishes,
Rebecca
Rebecca O. Johnson
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33 Moultrie St.
Dorchester Center, Massachusetts 02124
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