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Dear Editor:
At the beginning of Fall Break, my son and I traveled to Louisiana, and then to Burnside Street in El Dorado, Ark. We were anxious to get to our destination to reunite with my siblings and extended family for a special event.
This wasn’t a typical family reunion, though.
El Dorado was my parents’ home after my dad studied in seminary school in the early 1960s. Prior to moving to Louisiana when I was a child, my seven siblings and I grew up on Burnside Street, playing kickball outside, or the other sports available at the local Boys & Girls Club, attending church together every Sunday, along with helping other families in our community.
Doing.
My father, Rev. Thadis Payne Sr., liked that verb. Until the day he passed away in 2002, he and my mom were passionate about advancing civil and equal rights for underrepresented people. My dad peacefully and passionately advocated for businesses, schools and public places to have more equitable hiring practices and just treatment of all customers. So, on that warm sunny day that my son and I traveled to El Dorado, the city paid tribute to my father’s efforts by hoisting a plaque on Burnside Street that honored “the dedicated pastor who was instrumental in advancing equality and civil rights to those who are underrepresented.”
What can we do together?
This passion for doing has driven me through all the chapters of my life. Good thoughts, hopes and prayers are a foundation to helping others. But as my father, who never gave up fighting for the rights of others, would ask me, “What have you done today?” What can we do about hunger, homelessness, health and wellness, literacy, mental health, safe childcare, accessible education and equity in our communities?
When we are united in purpose, we can do a great deal together. My father never walked alone in those picket lines – he inspired people to join in and make the impossible possible.
This holiday season, I humbly ask that you consider a donation to United Way of Central Indiana. Think about what you want to do to make an impact in our community as you click here. Which cause do you care most about and why?
Thank you for doing. Whether it be through volunteering, supporting, advocating or donating, we greatly appreciate your support of United Way.
Fred Payne
United Way of Central Indiana, President & CEO