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FROM CLEVELAND AGO DEAN DALE HUKILL
The summer is upon us and we are finally starting to come out of the almost total lockdown and slowly adjusting to a new normal. Sadly, at the same time we are once again confronted as a country with the fact that racism and income inequality are still rampant and recent events has caused it to bubble over into protests and sometimes rioting and looting in our cities. I certainly don’t have answers. I do know that the AGO national and local do not condone discrimination within our organization and that we strive for inclusion of any and all. I would like to share what I wrote to my musical groups at my church:
I am sure that all of you are dismayed by what is happening around our country the past week or so. I also understand that there are certainly varying viewpoints and opinions. I would hope that we can have an open, Christ centered discussion about this in our dealings with each other. I do however believe that there are basic systemic problems in regards to race in our country. How to solve these issues is not something I am in a position to decide. What I can tell you is that in the past I have served both an all black Baptist congregation as well as an integrated congregation that was the only white church in Cleveland to invite MLK to speak. In both cases I have heard firsthand the stories of what it is like to be black in America.
Of being stopped because you drive a nice car in a white neighborhood.
To be refused housing.
To be refused service.
To be followed by store security while shopping. To be asked to prove you work in the building you are practicing in.
To be approached by police with guns drawn while just sitting in a parking lot using your phone.
I don’t have answers, but I know that what I can do is to take a long look at myself and see if I can change so that I better reflect the loving, caring, compassionate person that Jesus wants me to be.
I will speak out when I see injustices against others.
I will advocate for change.
I will pray.
Annual meeting: I would like to thank everyone who attended our virtual annual meetings. It was nice to see all of you. The results of the election are listed elsewhere in this newsletter.
I would personally like to thank those who are leaving the Board and Executive Committee. Fern Jennings as Secretary and Dr. Eugene Blackstone, David Kazimar and Bob Soeder on the Executive Committee. The chapter appreciates your dedication and willingness to give of your time and talents for further the goals of the AGO.
Programming: With most all events for the fall cancelled, we at present do not have any announcements regarding programming. If you have ideas on what we can present to our members in a virtual situation please share them with our sub-dean, Brian Wentzel (brian@firstlutheranlorain.org)
That’s it.
Stay safe,
Dale Hukill
Dean, Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
216-310-8661
dalekaren@sbcglobal.net
Director of Music Ministries
St Paul Lutheran Church
Berea OH
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