On this Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the amazing community we call home

On this Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for the amazing community we call home, Silver Spring (Montgomery County, Maryland.)

In these trying times of rampant negativism and division, exclusion, and disrespect, it is oh so refreshing to come together as a community and affirm the positive values of DIVERSITY, INCLUSION and RESPECT… And that is what we just did last Sunday at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring to shout out that we will STAND UP, THE MONTGOMERY WAY!

These are not just words of platitudes, shallow words, or simply about singing kumbaya. No. This is about recognizing that at this moment, we need to give thanks for our diversity, give thanks for being inclusive, and give thanks for being respectful. And we want to shout out for everyone near and far to hear: This IS the Montgomery Way!

We are in solidarity with the hundreds of local communities that have in the last couple of weeks manifested similar values so the world can know:

  • We are here to stay. We are not going anywhere.

We are part of the fabric of an empathetic, caring, and – yes – beloved local communities throughout these (dis)United States.

Blair High School Seniors Leading the Community in Call to Action
Blair High School Seniors Leading the Community in Call to Action

*Timed reference below refers to “minute point” at full YouTube video of event

We give thanks for:

Our diverse faith community that prays together for the good of all – at 3:30*

A leader who excels in leading all people in our community  – at 11:10*

An incoming Senator and incoming Congressman and State officials that will be part of an effective opposition – at 12:40*

A Chief of Police that cares about all in the community and knows how to instill a sense of trust – at 20:00*

A School Superintendent that reminds us school is not a place for enforcing immigration laws – at 25:30*

{ My favorite } High school youth that are such a big part of this effort – at 29:00*

A College President that connects with all in innovative ways – even reading a children’s book – at 30:48*

A 9-member County Council that I will put up against any other similar elected body in the U.S.A. as one of the best – at 33:22*

A Jewish community that minces no words about what is going on, and that we are not going back – at 35:14*

A Latino community that knows the seed has been planted and it will grow – at 37:15*

A Federal Secretary of Labor, who happens to be a local neighbor, and knows how to inspire us for what is ahead – at 38:15*

And again: A leader who excels in leading all people in our community – at 43:15*

For this amazing community we give thanks.

We don’t know what the future holds. But we do know that if we remain a diverse, inclusive, respectful community – and stand up for and with each other – we will continue building this hyper-local, vibrant, and thriving beloved community we call home.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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