EBHO Celebrates an Outstanding Fifth Annual Interfaith Breakfast

You had to have been there! Over 180 representatives of practically every faith community in the East Bay gathered for East Bay Housing Organizations’ (EBHO) Fifth Annual Breakfast of Inter-faith Communities United for Affordable Housing (ICU). The gathering was held at the Oakland Catholic Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland's newest landmark on Lake Merritt.

The theme, "Shelter in a Time of Storms: Building a National Movement for Housing Justice," was addressed by the keynote speakers, Dr. Vincent Harding and Rev. James Lawson, two legendary figures of the Civil Rights and Justice Movement of the 1950-60's led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. James Lawson		Dr. Vincent Harding

Dr. Harding encouraged us to continue the dialogues among all peoples, especially the young, as in the 50-60's, such as dialogues around “what kind of nation are we? And what manner of nation are we becoming?" We are still a very young nation and there are many among us who have not been engaged in the conversation.

From 2009.10.21 5th Annual ICU Breakfast

From 2009.10.21 5th Annual ICU Breakfast

From 2009.10.21 5th Annual ICU Breakfast

From 2009.10.21 5th Annual ICU Breakfast

From 2009.10.21 5th Annual ICU Breakfast

Rev. James Lawson, brother of EBHO's own, Rev. Phil Lawson, Director of EBHO’s Inter-faith Program, deepened the dialogue by suggesting the need to understand the movements for justice in the 20th century, in order to more fully appreciate what is required of all of us, in the 21st Century. According to Jim, the 20th Century witnessed the greatest movements for justice in human history.

Select quotes from the day:

"We have the power to begin the world over again." - Thomas Payne as quoted by Dr. Vincent Harding

"The infinite possibilities of creation are ours to grasp if we so will." - Rev. James Lawson

We must not just try to persuade, but with our bodies demand... shelter in a time of storms... and calm." - Rev. James Lawson

"We are still being born." - Dr. Vincent Harding

"Action without dialogue is often misdirected action... I maintain that we the people can transform ourselves and our nation." - Rev. James Lawson

"What is Interfaith Communities United but a call to action... We're praying with our feet today." - Tessa Rouverol-Callejo, The San Francisco Foundation

"For all that has past, thanks. For all that has yet to come, yes. Yes. Yes!" - Rev. Phil Lawson, EBHO's Interfaith Communities United Director

Here is a selection of pictures from the morning's event (click on the images to see them full size).



We also were able to upload the video slideshow that was looped at the beginning of the event:
Part One:


Part Two:


Many of the words people used to express their delight in EBHO’s 5th Annual Interfaith Breakfast were “inspirational,” “provocative,” and “thoughtful.” Many said it was the very best breakfast EBHO has had. Certainly many began to experience, just a hint of what takes place within the "Beloved Community" -- whenever people truly begin to engage one another in their search for freedom, justice, and community.

You will want to be with EBHO and the Inter-faith Program as the struggle continues to build a movement for housing justice. Sign up to our Interfaith email list by clicking HERE!