We must honor also the small strides. The small steps. The quiet, persistent acts of courage, by men and women of all complexions. Acts which do not make it into the history books, for there the bold strides alone are recorded. But acts which nonetheless must never fade from our memories.
Bold strides point the way, but it is by small steps that people and society follow.
Over the past weeks I've listened to many stories from members of UUCA and T.H.E. about their involvement in the Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent movements it helped to inspire. I've heard about many small steps taken with courage and compassion. Beth Gross' integration of a northern white community and her persistence in showing up at the PTA and the other community forums where her dignified and graceful presence was a statement in and of itself. Anne Olson's voter education work which led her from one small southern congregation to another where she trained people who were about to vote for the very first time in their lives. Nan Orrock's lifetime of work as civil rights activist, peace activist, labor activist, women's rights activist, and Georgia legislator.