22:56 - Friday, Sept. 13, 2002
more on quiet

I spent the day of September 11th at the office. My folks called the night before, worried about the armed defenses build up around the Capitol here. It didn't occur to me to worry about it, at least for my own safety.

I'm white. No one is pulling my car over for driving while anything.

And nothing is being pointed at me threatening my life and no one is throwing rocks at my car for coming here from somewhere else whether I have lived here for 30 years or not and when I am on the plane no one sits next to me and tenses up.

So it really didn't occur to me to worry that there were anti-aircraft missles near my office. I assured my mother I was safe as most people in skins like ours (white) are.

_____

I spent the evening of September 11th at a community sing. It goes on every month and is led by Ysae Barnwell, an amazing activist composer who also sings with Sweet Honey in the Rock.

And Mr. Radical Tenor was sitting next to me and friends we know from different parts of our lives were there too. Even though my head was full of full I really had a great time.

Ysae led each section through all the parts. Seriously. She sang soprano, alto, tenor, and the most rich syrupy, sensual bass voice I have ever heard from anyone of any gender.

I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me to see the beauty of the world through my own eyes.--Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Wanting Memories"

So this space was perfect. I did not feel in touch with something sublime or outside of me. I didn't feel so blown away and orgasmic and incredible.

Nothing like that at all. What I felt was in touch and needed and in need.

We need people who speak about peace and connection between peoples. We need to either sing along or know that there is some togetherness sometimes.

We need spaces where many ages and races come together. I need to see that the people I ride the bus with want to be in that apce with me. Singing about freedom and justice and healing.

In this city with a million agendas and a million more fax machines humming all day, I needed that space -- my voice was important simply because it was and I allowed it to give and receive.

And I think others around the world should continue to have that opportunity.

*****

American Friends Service Committee on Iraq.

Peggy Mcintosh on whiteness.

A Gulf War Veteran-- 10 Reasons Not to Invade Iraq

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