Boxing for a Cause - Interfaith Mission Service - July 2020
Jasmine LeBlanc
7/29/20 11:26 AM
Contents
Boxing for a Cause is our way of giving back to our community. Each month, Image in a Box donates to a local nonprofit chosen by one of our team members. Michelle chose to donate to Interfaith Mission Service for the month of July!
About Interfaith Mission Service
The Interfaith Mission Service (IMS) is a cooperative of congregations, individuals, and organizations that work together to help fulfill Dr. King’s global vision of a world where all people can share in the wealth of the earth. IMS seeks to address the causes of poverty, hunger, and homelessness, replace racism in all its forms with a spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood, resolve disputes through peaceful, non-violent means, and eliminate obstacles to economic justice and equity.
Why Michelle Chose Interfaith Mission Service
How Her Background Inspired Her Choice
Michelle says, "I've never considered myself racist. I have always had great, meaningful relationships with numerous African-Americans throughout my life. However, I had a hard time truly accepting that racism is very much alive in 2020. This is due to my biased thinking that if you work hard, put in the effort, and stay out of trouble, you will reap the benefits of the 'American' dream. If my family can, why not anyone?"
She continues, "You see, I came from a very poor background. My mom and her family were sharecroppers. My dad had a large family and lived in the rural area of Gurley in the 40s and 50s. This was before Huntsville had its space boom, so it was a very small town. While neither of my parents graduated high school, they both worked so hard and made sacrifices to build their own wealth. They sent me to college and here I am two college degrees later running a successful company with Justin and building my own 'American' dream, success, and wealth for my kids."
Why She Picked Interfaith Mission Services
Michelle says, "As I've been reading anti-racism books, having deeper more uncomfortable conversations with friends and family, and taking in more information that I may disagree or agree with, I am realizing that while the 'American' dream is available for all, it is harder for other races, especially African-Americans, to achieve. The reason being, the 'American' dream was crafted by white Americans for white Americans, which undoubtedly will make it harder for any others to prosper."
She continues, "So that is why I picked Interfaith Mission Service because they are a local nonprofit that focuses on public policy issues that promote economic injustice and inequity. I hope you will check out their organization to see what they are all about."
Michelle concludes, "I hope you'll take my words to heart and educate yourself on all sides. Please remember that there are many sides to the same story and there is hope for a better together for all if we all band together for the good of all."
Learn how you can help support Interfaith Mission Service, too! Be sure to check back with us next month to see which local nonprofit our team selects to receive a donation.