We Are a Gentle, Angry People

We are a gentle, angry people
and we are singing, singing for our lives (2x)
We are a justice-seeking people
and we are singing, singing for our lives (2x)
We are young and old together
and we are singing, singing for our lives (2x)
We are a land of many colors
and we are singing, singing for our lives (2x)
We are gay and straight together
and we are singing, singing for our lives (2x)
We are a gentle, loving people
and we are singing, singing for our lives (2x)

Words & Music: Holly Near
©1979 Hereford Music
Arrangement: Patrick L. Rickey
© 1992 Unitarian Universalist Association

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Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round

Ain't gonna let nobody turn me 'round, turn me 'round, turn me 'round,

Ain't gonna let nobody turn me 'round

I'm gonna keep on a walkin', keep on a-talkin', Marching up to freedom land.

Ain't gonna let Nervous Nelly turn me 'round, turn me 'round,

Ain't gonna let Nervous Nelly turn me 'round,

I'm gonna keep on a-walkin', keep on a-talkin', Marching up to freedom land.

Ain't gonna let Chief Pritchett turn me 'round, turn me 'round,

Ain't gonna let Chief Pritchett turn me 'round, 'm gonna keep on a-walkin', keep on a-talkin', Marching up to freedom land.

Ain't gonna let Mayor Kelly turn me 'round, turn me 'round,

Ain't gonna let Mayor Kelly turn me 'round,

I'm gonna keep on a-walkin', keep on a-talkin', Marching up to freedom land.

Ain't gonna let segregation turn me 'round, turn me 'round,

Ain't gonna let segregation turn me 'round, I'm gonna keep on a-walkin',

keep on a-talkin', Marching up to freedom land. […]

Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round [lyrics of a traditional civil rights song], reprinted in Manning Marable and Leith Mullings, eds. Let Nobody Turn Us Around: Voices of Resistance, Reform and Renewal (Oxford: Rowan & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 1999)

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Courage My Friend

"Courage (courage)
my friend (my friend),
You do not walk alone.
We will (we will)
walk with you (walk with you),
And sing your spirit home."

Alternative text:
Freedom (freedom)
Patience (patience)
Justice (justice)
Vision (vision)

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This Little Light of Mine

1. This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

2. Out in the darkest night,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Out in the darkest night,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Out in the darkest night,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.


3. Deep down in my soul,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Deep down in my soul,
I'm gonna let it shine.
Deep down in my soul,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship
(African American Edition) #11

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We Shall Overcome

We Shall Overcome, we shall overcome
We shall overcome someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
We are not afraid, we are not afraid,
We are not afraid today.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
We are not alone, we are not alone
We are not alone today
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We are not alone today.
The truth will make us free, the truth will make us free,
The truth will make us free someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
We’ll walk hand in hand, we’ll walk hand in hand,
We’ll walk hand in hand someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
The Lord will see us through, the Lord will see us through,
The Lord will see us through someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
Black and white together, Black and white together,
Black and white together someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
We shall all be free, we shall all be free,
We shall all be free someday.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.

"We Shall Overcome"[lyrics of a traditional song]. In Manning Marable and Leith Mullings, eds. Let Nobody Turn Us Around: Voices of Resistance, Reform andRenewal (Oxford: Rowan & Littlefield, 1999)

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OUR TIME TOGETHER

9:30–10:30 AM | Opening prayer vigil with faith leaders in Minneapolis

Vigil led by Isaiah, MCAN’s sister Faith In Action federation in Minneapolis, to ground the gathering in shared faith, shared struggle, and shared responsibility.

10:30–10:50 AM | Building the Movement

Brief relational “sacred encounters” among faith leaders, emphasizing connection and collective preparation before crisis.

10:50–11:20 AM | Procession to the State House

A prayerful procession from the Cathedral to the State House, led as a moving liturgy with song, silence, and reflection.

11:20 AM–12:00 PM | State House Atrium: Prayerful Witness

Faith leaders will offer short prayers and statements affirming that protecting the vulnerable is a core faith value and that silence enables harm.

A small delegation will be blessed and tasked with formally requesting a meeting with the Governor within one week.

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1:1 QUESTIONS

What has been your journey to faith leadership?

When did you first feel called?

What is bringing you joy in this season?

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SOCIAL MEDIA

You are welcomed and encouraged to post on social media. Telling the story of your presence today is significant in building the movement and reaching Governor Healey. Whether it is documenting our time together or taking a selfie or video to speak to the Governor directly, it is all powerful. Along with your congregation or organization, please include the following handles and hashtags.

Facebook:
@mcanfia
@ISAIAHMN
@MauraHealeyMA

Instagram:
@mcan_fia
@isaiahorg
@massgovernor

Hashtags:
#DefendDignityMA
#JusticeIsBrewing