Taking A Stand Against Hatred
Resonate Global Mission is calling Christian Reformed Church in North America members, congregations, and ministries to stand against acts of hatred and discrimination after a hate crime against L!VE Cafe and Creative Space, a ministry partner in Oak Park, Illinois.
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, a brick wrapped with two racist notes was found at the door of L!VE Cafe and Creative Space. One note included a political message with a racial slur: “No N—s on the ballot!” The other note was taken by the police for investigation, and the content has not yet been divulged. From a scratch on the window, it appears the brick was thrown but did not break the double-paned glass.
“We can repair our window, that is not the concern,” said Reesheda Graham Washington, the owner of L!VE Cafe and Creative Space. “We can repair places, bricks and mortar. They can be restored. Our souls are damaged by the offense.”
Graham Washington started L!VE Cafe and Creative Space to seek social, economic, and spiritual transformation in Oak Park, the Chicago area, and throughout the world. The coffee shop also provides gathering space for events, trainings, and collaboration. Partnering with Graham Washington’s ministry is one of the innovative ways Resonate works to spread the gospel through transformational networks.
Together with several CRCNA classes, Resonate seeks to come alongside Graham Washington and support her and her ministry through mentorship, training opportunities, encouragement, and funds for the downpayment of the cafe’s building.
“L!VE is working toward economic and racial equity, justice—not just in conversation, awareness, and education, but in actual real action on the ground,” said Tim Hoekstra, pastor of Sub-Urban Life Community CRC in the Chicago area.
Hoekstra works with Resonate on supporting the CRCNA’s urban ministry in and near the city. Sub-Urban Life Community CRC and Hoekstra have a longstanding friendship and mentorship with Graham Washington. After the attack, Hoekstra was one of the first people Graham Washington called.
In the wake of the crime, a press conference and vigil were held outside of L!VE Cafe and Creative Spaces’ building. Both Hoekstra and Peter Kelder, Resonate’s regional mission leader for the Central USA region, attended to stand in solidarity with Graham Washington and her ministry.
“Incidents like this shake you to the core,” said Kelder. “I hope we’re going to see change.”
Kelder said that change starts with us as individuals, a mission agency, and a church. Resonate ministry leaders state the importance and urgency of the CRCNA standing against acts of hatred and discrimination like the one against L!VE.
“The racist attack that was perpetrated against our partner ministry, L!VE Cafe and Creative Space in Oak Park, Illinois, is a cause of deep sadness and lament for the staff of Resonate Global Mission and the CRCNA,” said Zachary King, director of Resonate Global Mission.
King said that it is “especially sobering” as we remember this week the hard work and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for equality and justice for all people, especially Black people.
“God has created all of us in his image and called us to share the love of Jesus Christ with those who are near and far away. In this biblical calling we stand against acts of hatred and discrimination and we stand with the reconciling gospel of Jesus Christ that breaks down barriers between people (Eph 2:14). This is key to our mission as God's people of peace in a broken world,” said King.
“Racism is deeply hurting people of color, but also all of us,” said Hoekstra. “We all need to lament, learn, and grow toward being anti-racist. Not just oppose it in words or thoughts but actually take actions that indicate we are on the journey to overturn systems that are inequitable and are desperately hurting people.”
Resonate is committed to supporting Graham Washington, L!VE Cafe and Creative Space, and the ministry moving forward.
