From Jim Hannum, UUCUC Member

Our own elizaBeth Simpson is receiving a Distinguished Service Award from the University YMCA! Congratulations, Beth! We know Beth as a committed activist in our church, where she has participated in the Racial Justice Project, the Social Action Committee, served as a link between our church and SURJ, and organized our letterwriting campaign to prisoners. Beth is also a singer/songwriter who contributes mightily to solidarity singing during marches (think Immigration related protests) and parades (think Pride Parade).

Here is further information about Beth’s contributions from the YMCA announcement:

Beth has led the creation of SURJ (showing up for racial justice) local chapter and was a founding member of the Black Lives Matter Accomplices group, where she has spearheaded education and support for POC and allyship among white people through advocacy, education projects, and drafting statements of support and organizing actions. Beth is an artist who began the Celebrate Urbana People’s History project documenting activism in our local community. She devotes time to Gesundheit Institute as a teacher and organizer, supporting work that aims to eliminate barriers to healthcare. She facilitates restorative circles and conflict resolution methods towards addressing harm locally and nationally. She gives her time so liberally to the project of making a more just world.

Learn more about Beth and the social justice work she is involved with.