Remembering Civil Rights Hero,
Ms. Joanne Bland
Terri Pollock
I met her during a civil rights trip of the South with my Synagogue, Temple Beth Am in Seattle, in 2018. She led us on a tour of Selma, taking us to the important civil rights sites there. I was in awe of her dedication and and commitment to civil rights at such a young age. I remember her telling a story about when she was a child and wanting to try on shoes in a store but not being allowed to because only whites were allowed to try them on. As I recall, her mother had to drag her away from the shop. Apparently no white person would buy shoes if a black person had tried them on. I have a looseleaf book of stories she and her sister had written; I will have to find it.
Dedicated, Courageous, Persistent
Kendra Egly
Foundational, Motivational, Real
When I learned from Ms. Bland the 2nd time I visited Selma with the Institute for CP Educator Symposium, she spoke alongside her sister, and she made a statement that I will never forget: we don't have time to go home and take a bubble bath--there's too much work to do. Ms. Bland made me feel like an important piece of the puzzle, and that my time and work are valuable to the larger pursuit of a more just, more inclusive, more democratic future.
Shernita Wiggins-Wynder
Resilient, Compassionate, Wisdom
Every moment was special when I was in her presence. My first time meeting her in Selma on the Institute for Common Power Learning tour, she reminded me of the “Auntie” you love to visit because she’d tell you wonderful stories about your family, take you to your favorite places, and get on you if you stepped out of line. That was the connection I felt because the people in my life that was hardest on me and told me the truth, I knew they loved me. While, each time I saw her (on multiple occasions after that) I couldn’t wait to get in her presence to hear MORE and lay my head on her shoulder. She felt like I’d known her all my life. I told her, “You know that you’re my Auntie, now?” Her response, “I’m all y’all Auntie.” She laughed Typical Ms. Joanne humor.
The last time I saw her was at the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I brought four of my NEX-Gen Men of Distinction mentees to introduce them to the history of the South. When they met her, it was an instant connection. They helped me present her with gifts I’d made and had promised to create for her. She was so appreciative that she gave me that “Auntie hug.” She talked to the boys in a loving tone with authority and wisdom. The picture we took was priceless at her office. Oh how I’m going to miss her. My heart is hurting and so broken, but it will be fuel to the fire for the rest of my journey. I’m going to put my puzzle piece to work so at the end of my journey, it will be put in its rightful place in the puzzle of Freedom for All! SIP Auntie- Neda
Chuck Weinstock
Upon reading the email Kim and I went to find our rocks from Selma that Ms. Bland instructed us to collect and carry while we there as part of the Truth and Learning Tour. It takes me back to the streets, the bridge, the park, the cemetery, and the church. We are humbled by the everyday people, the foot soldiers, demanding their respect and undaunted in getting it. What a privilege to be able to meet Ms. Joanne Bland. Honestly what a joy to learn of her life, commitment, courage, and power. One thing I try to continually take away and act on from our Tour after hearing from the foot soldiers is that I can certainly do one more thing. And another. It’s my time. It’s my turn.
Dedicated, Courageous, Persistent
Carla Carlstrom
I was on a CP learning tour in December 2023 with my 80 year-old father and we got the opportunity to hang out with Ms. Joanne Bland.. My father had met her on a previous learning tour and she remembered him and I took some photos of the two of them together that I am sharing here. Unfortunately my dad now has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t remember, but I will always treasure this trip with him and now these photos with Ms. Bland.
Courageous, Inspiring, Strength
Andrea Fay Barber-Dansby
My first Institute for Common Power Learning Tour, May 2023: Standing outside of Brown Chapel AME Church and listening to Queen Mother Joanne Bland talking about the church's roles in all the marches. I'm a member of the AME Church and Brown Chapel has always held a special place in my spirit among AME churches and congregations. I thank God for me finding Common Power and the Institute's Learning Tours and being selected to attend. Queen Mother Joanne Bland gave me the biggest hung when I gave her greetings that day from the 4th Episcopal of the AME Church. Every time I participated on a tour and Jubilee, Queen Mother Bland would give me the biggest smile and hug which has helped me to press on through our challenging 2024-2026. "Thank You Queen Mother, you have made your Ascension into Ancestor-hood."
Unbound, Unbought, Committed
Norma McGowan Jackson
I first met Joanne when my children joined 21st Century Youth Leadership Movement. She was working at the National Voting Rights Museum, and trained my 13 year old son to give tours! This was in the early 90s.
Authentic, Fearless, Committed
Courage and stamina matter, sustained by reaching out to others in the soul struggle for our humanity.
An encounter with Joanne Bland is unforgettable. She knew who she was; was serious, tough, and durable champion of human rights, yet held an Olympic tenderness beneath it all.
Patricia A. Rector
Winona Hollins Hauge
First meeting in 2017 on a UW pilgrimage out of Seattle with A team co assembled by Professor David Domke and team. Later to be known as a Sankofa experience. First meeting was intimidating but as she warmed up she became a gentle spirit who had some deep experiences to share. I have loved following her the past ten years leaning in to her legend as one of our iconic servant leaders. What I have learned is “ this too shall pass but we can’t shrink away we must keep speaking truth to power even in small ways. Winona from the North who honors my parents who grew up in the Jim Crow South
Iconic, Servant, Leader