The Lasting Legacy, in Art

On August 30, 2004, I went to Percy Julian Middle School for my first day of 8th grade, the third and final year I would be a student at Julian.  Similar to when my classmates and I started 6th grade, we made history by being the first group of students to start 8th grade as our 3rd year at Julian, after being there for grades 6 and 7.

14 years later, on August 30, 2018, I was back at Julian for another very special occasion.  Over the course of this past summer 2018, a group, sponsored by the Oak Park Education Foundation, worked to create a mural at Julian Middle School in honor of the esteemed African-American chemist Dr. Percy Lavon Julian (#149 on my Illinois 200 list).

On August 30, in the midst of the 2nd week of a new school year, the mural was dedicated as part of a back-to-school celebration.

I became aware of the mural project back in May when I visited the Julian website.  When I saw that people could donate money to support the project and have a personalized tile, I jumped at the chance.  Julian was an extraordinarily significant part of my life, and I was eager to offer tribute to it on a tile, while supporting a project that gave current students an opportunity to express themselves in creating something meaningful.

So as a donor who helped support the project, I was pleased to have the chance to attend the mural dedication.

During the ceremony, the artists who worked on the mural, including the students, introduced themselves, and the OPRFHS art teacher who oversaw the project talked about the process of creating it.  And their finished work is certainly a masterpiece.

The mural itself has circles evocative of chemical molecule structures interspersed with words that speak to Dr. Julian's experience: Learn, Achieve, Persist.  Those words formed the basis for a poetic piece performed by students in Julian's Spoken Word Club, who shared about Dr. Julian's life experiences and their implications for society at large.

We then had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Julian's daughter, Faith--please see photo below.

I had heard her speak twice before at Julian, in 2002 when the current school building was dedicated, and then in 2007 when the PBS science program NOVA debuted its "Forgotten Genius" documentary on Dr. Julian.  Faith shared about her father's life experiences, much of which I recognized from having watched the documentary.  Throughout his life, racism kept rearing its ugly head, but Dr. Julian persevered in spite of the obstacles that kept seeking to obstruct his path.  She referenced the words, "Take Heart. Go farther", which appear in the mural, and are from a poem, "The Seventh Fold", in which a person journeys up a mountain, but hesitates to go forward over the last part, not knowing what's beyond it, until he finally summons forth the encouragement he needs to advance.

In light of what he faced, she offered encouragement to current students to keep striving, even in the midst of obstacles, to accomplish great things, and to uphold the importance of integrity and strong moral character.

She talked about how naming a school for Dr. Julian really speaks to the American experience, that we would recognize and honor someone who overcame so much.  Indeed, it's amazing to think that someone who faced such racism would find the means to persevere and overcome, achieving great accomplishments.

He truly is a great example for our community and our world to seek what is good.  And what a fine way to give tribute to him with this mural, representing how his legacy continues to make an impact.

Indeed, it was a great day to be part of the Julian community.  And I am proud to be Julian Middle School Class of 2005.

In the photo above, I am standing by Faith Julian.  Below, I am posing by the part of the mural with the tiles containing photos or inscriptions that were for the donors.  I am extending my right hand over the tile I had inscribed with these words: "Grateful for my time at Julian, 2002-2005. -Paul R."  Thanks to those who were nearby who got my photos in these two pictures.  The other two photos in this post are mine.

P.S. You can read and/or view Faith Julian's speech here.

And you can go here to read a short piece of mine that was published in The Wednesday Journal in which I offer some thoughts on this dedication ceremony.

A Living Document

It was a remarkable day in Philadelphia, on Monday, September 17, 1787.

The Constitutional Convention concluded at the Pennsylvania State House, the end of a long summer's work in creating a new government, as 39 delegates, the majority of those gathered, signed the document. It's incredible to think that in a world dominated by monarchs and other powerful figures, a group of people came together to create a government for themselves--and it's amazing to think that despite its flaws and the challenges it has faced, it still persists.  Certainly, no other form of government in the world gives such opportunity for people to be involved in the processes of the government.

A couple of weeks ago, I tuned in to the confirmation hearing for Judge Kavanaugh as the Senate Judiciary Committee considers his nomination as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Judge Kavanaugh is well-versed in the principles of the Constitution.  The Republican members of the committee posed many questions that led to an in-depth discussion about the Constitution, both how it works, and the thought process of the framers as they created it, even delving into ideas expressed in The Federalist Papers about how to interpret the Constitution.  It shed much light on how to view various court cases.

There was one point when Judge Kavanaugh explained the significance of the Declaration of Independence, and he noted how it establishes principles of liberty that the Constitution is designed to uphold.

Indeed, the US Constitution is a remarkable document in the scope of the world and its history.  As we celebrate this occasion of the anniversary of the day it was signed, let's recommit ourselves to making this document work in making the United States a truly great nation by being a right kind of nation that advances the principles of freedom and liberty as the Constitution is worked out.

Continuing the Spirit of 1783

In addition to the Labor Day Holiday 2018, September 3 is also the day in 1783 that the Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed, formally concluding the American Revolution and securing the independence of the United States from Great Britain.

A long struggle had finally given way to a victory for the United States.

Our freedom is truly a gift to celebrate and cherish, but it's not enough to have freedom in and of itself.

So many people have sacrificed greatly, even in giving of their lives, because they recognize freedom must be upheld and supported.  We certainly owe much to the women and men who have worn the uniform to uphold what this country stands for, with John McCain as a great example fresh in our minds as he has been honored in many ways upon his passing from this life not that long ago.

But those of us who are civilians also have a role to play.  We must embrace the responsibility that freedom gives us, working to advance our freedom and liberties so all people can live in them fully.  Unlike many other nations, the United States was founded on a collection of ideas, which continue to drive our work as citizens.  It can be difficult work, especially since our ideological differences have led to intensified polarization in recent years.  But somehow, those values upon which we were founded continue to call to us and bring out our better selves when we stop to embrace and advance them.

And let us not forget all the progress that has been made so far, and the great wealth of opportunities that people have in this country, which continue to draw people from all over the world, who see something unique and noble about the United States.

Let us give thanks for the beauty of our values, our people, and even our land, which is full of varied richness.

Indeed, let us give thanks to God for our country.  May God prosper our country as we continue upholding the values of liberty, inspired by the greatness to which we have already attained.

Connectedness

When I visited St. Augustine 5 years ago, I gained a sense of how Native American cultures embrace the idea of the interconnectedness of everything.

Above the altar at St. Augustine Church is a crucifix surrounded by colors that represent white, black, red, and yellow people.

Roman Catholic theology embraces this concept when it comes to the communion of saints, and how we are connected with people of faith all over the world, and those who have lived before us, who now comprise the Church in Heaven.

This idea of connectedness is something that speaks to the continued impact of my time at St. Augustine Mission in Nebraska, and it's what gave me the desire to return there for a visit of reunion and reconnection.

I had my chance to journey to St. Augustine over the course of an extended weekend at the end of last July.

On Saturday morning, July 28, I got in my vehicle Avila, and began my journey westward, most of it along I-80.  Illinois gave way to Iowa, when I crossed the Mississippi River on the US 67 Centennial Bridge--my first Mississippi crossing since my trip to the Pacific Northwest last year--which landed me in the lively riverfront/downtown district of Davenport, where there were numerous street closings due to some kind of festival.  Eventually, I got to Bettendorf to pick up my lunch, a Quad Cities-style pizza from Harris Pizza, a chain in that area.  I stopped at a rest stop to enjoy it.  Iowa is certainly superb in the rest stop facilities it offers along the roadways.  And the pizza had a nice crust, with a little bit of thickness and just a bit soft.  I got mine topped with taco toppings, as you can see in the photo below:

I continued along I-80 westward through the gently rolling landscape--Iowa is definitely not flat like Illinois.  Soon, I followed I-80 in a more southerly direction as I neared the Missouri River.  And then I was in the city of Omaha, NE, in the state of the Good Life.  My first stop was Sacred Heart Parish in northern Omaha, where Father Dave, formerly the priest at St. Augustine, is now serving as pastor (please see photo below).

I reached the church just after 5 PM Mass let out, and I went up to greet him as he greeted parishioners exiting the church.  He took me inside to show me around, and we got chatting about things going on in our lives.  He even played me some music on his flute, a skill he developed while at St. Augustine, as a serenade for me at the start of my weekend back at St. Augustine.

He then offered to take me out to eat.  We ended up at a Tex-Mex place called Romeo's in central Omaha, where we continued in good conversation catching up.  Much of our conversation helped me reflect on the spiritual state of my life, which offered me great encouragement.

Once we finished dinner, we parted ways, and I got on US 75 and made my way into South Omaha to see St. Peter and Paul Parish (please see photo below), where Cardinal Cupich went to Mass when he was growing up, before heading out of Omaha.

I spent about 2 1/2 hours in the city, more time than I had ever spent there before on previous trips when I was pretty much just passing through.  This time around, I got a better sense of the character of the city's neighborhoods, with narrow streets and lots of families having get-togethers at their homes out in the pleasant summer evening, and I even noticed a strong Hispanic presence.

I crossed the Missouri River on I-80 back into Iowa and then headed north on I-29, exiting at Onawa, where I spent the night at a Super 8 Motel, close by a Dairy Queen where I got a sweet treat before bed.

The next morning, after I had breakfast and checked out, I drove west on Iowa Route 175, which took me to a bridge across the Missouri River and back into Nebraska.  Unlike the last time I went to St. Augustine, there was no toll bride in Decatur, NE, on the other side.  I drove through Decatur to US 75 and then headed north through the hilly country along the Missouri River to Winnebago.  It was such a pleasant, peaceful drive.

I attended 10 AM Mass at St. Augustine Church.  Just like last time, there was incense used at the start.  The readings were the start of the John 6 Bread of Life discourse.  It was a wonderful way to remember how abundant God's graces are, which calls us to respond in living a life of gratitude ans service, just as I had opportunity to do 5 years ago.  After Mass, I went to greet Sarah Snake, who had spent time with our group when we came there last.

I had some plans in mind for early that afternoon, so with the time I had available, I decided to drive up to Sioux City, IA.  I stopped at an ATM, and then drove to a park that sat across the Big Sioux River from South Dakota.  I then drove a short distance north to Military Road, and at 12:24 PM CDT, I crossed the Military Road Bridge--in the photo below--over the Big Sioux River into South Dakota.

In this photo, the view is toward the southeast across the Military Road Bridge.  South Dakota is in the foreground and Iowa is toward the background.  Below is a sign at the South Dakota end of the bridge.  You can see Avila in the parking lot, behind the sign.

I parked in the lot of a casino, one of several in the immediate vicinity, and at 12:25 PM CDT, I stepped out of Avila, my first time stepping onto South Dakota ground.  I took a few steps around, and then got back in the car, and then over to I-29, and then crossed back into Iowa, and passed by the southeasternmost tip of South Dakota, between the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers, before making my way back south on US 77 into Nebraska, and from there, back to Winnebago.  I stopped in Homer on the way there to see St. Cornelius, which is part of the cluster of worship sites associated with the St. Augustine Mission.  I also stopped to look at some of the many interpretive signs along the road sharing about the history of the Native American peoples in the area, and even a heard of bison just north of St. Augustine, as you can see in the photo below.

I stopped back at St. Augustine to meet up with Father Dave, who was there to celebrate a baptism.  From there, I went to the Annual Winnebago Powwow (please see photo below), held annually to celebrate Chief Little Priest.  I spent about an hour there seeing the various dances done in traditional outfits.

I browsed the wares for sale, and ate some bison tacos, which you can see in the photo below.

I also got to meet Father Mark, the new priest at St. Augustine.  This powwow is a major event, with people even camping out at the powwow grounds over the course of multiple days when it is held.

After about an hour, I made my way west through gently rolling hills and wide open farm fields to Norfolk to the Immaculata Monastery, the motherhouse of the Benedictine Sisters, particularly to see Sister Agnes, who retired from serving in the St. Augustine office.

The Immaculata Monastery

I joined the sisters for their daily 5:30 evening prayer, as they chanted the various psalms, which was something to behold as I joined my voice with theirs.

When prayer ended, Sister Celine, who I had been in contact with about visiting Sister Agnes, greeted me, and then escorted me to a room, and placed food out on a table for me to have dinner, along with Sister Frances.  We got talking about a variety of subjects.

Then, the two of us met up with Sister Agnes, accompanied by Sister Lumen, and we went into a parlor room to chat for a little while longer.  It was amazing to hear of the wide variety of experiences the sisters have had serving in spots all over the world.

Shortly before 8 o'clock, I departed the monastery.  On my way out of Norfolk, I stopped to get pictures at the childhood home of Johnny Carson, and by a mural in downtown Norfolk, and grabbed a taste of Runza, a Nebraska chain that features a certain kind of beef sandwich.

Johnny Carson's childhood home

Johnny Carson mural, downtown Norfolk

While driving back to Winnebago, I got a great view of the sunset over the fields.

I also stopped in Rosalie, where I had the incredibly profound experience of the Sweat Lodge, and in Walthill to see St. Joseph, where we spent time doing service work.

After arriving back at St. Augustine, I settled into the rectory, and then visited with Father Mark before bed.

Getting the royal treatment: my bed at the St. Augustine Rectory

The next morning, I woke up before 7 AM to tune into KMEG Siouxland Sunrise News to see a good college friend, Lynette Grant, give the weather report.  (I actually had the chance to see the KMEG studios when driving on I-29 from South Dakota back into Iowa.)

At 8 AM, I went to the chapel in the rectory, where Father Mark celebrated Mass, with just the two of us.  It was a great opportunity to offer up special prayers for various people I hold dear, and to sense the presence of God in a totally different way with just the two of us.

We then had breakfast, and then I got packed up, and by 9:45, I had started my journey back home.

About an hour away, in Iowa, I pulled off I-29, and took a drive into the Loess Hills (pronounced "luss"), a scenic area created by deposits of loess sediment that run the length of western Iowa.  A fun fact is that the only other place in the world with loess deposits as large is in the Yellow River valley in China.  I went to the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook.  I walked up a path from the parking lot to take in the absolutely scenic views, as you can see in the pictures below.

The above three photos show views from various points as I went up the path.  You can see the Loess Hills and the farmland from which they rise.

Here is the view toward the top of the hill that had a path leading from the overlook parking lot.

I also pulled off I-80 to make a quick stop at the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, IA, when I needed Wifi access--as you can see in this photo below.

The drive there was along a scenic byway on gently rolling hills through farm fields.

I stopped for lunch at a Taco John's in West Des Moines, my first time eating there.  I continued along I-80, as I crossed over the Mississippi back into Illinois.

I was back home in Oak Park shortly before 8 o'clock, concluding a remarkable trip.  I was delighted to fulfill my desire to reconnect with St. Augustine and its people, even in the new places where they are now.  I was floored at how on multiple occasions, I received the "royal treatment", in being fed multiple times and given a place to stay at the St. Augustine rectory.  The generous hospitality I received was incredible, and really speaks to the impact I made on that place that people would show such kindness to me.

I enjoyed the opportunity to travel through the heartland of the United States, passing through wide open fields, and feeling a different sensation in being out in the quieter rural areas.  I was pleased to finally have the chance to be in South Dakota, since I've been to every other state around it, although I intend to return there sometime for a more substantive visit to see other places there.

I also got to engage with Native American culture, seeing the interpretive signs along the roads, and most especially going to the powwow.  I had considered several different weekends for this trip before settling on the final weekend in July, and it worked out well that I could be there for that experience.

And certainly it was to be expected that I would encounter a very strong spiritual, faith-based component to this trip, which was an overarching theme throughout.  Going to St. Augustine 5 years ago was done for reasons inspired by faith, and going back to be physically present in a place I feel very connected to in spirit certainly was similarly inspired by faith.  There were so many experiences of prayer I had, each of them powerful in its own way.

They all shared in common providing a way for me to connect with God, even as I connected with those with whom I prayed, reinforcing the sense of connection, which leads me to proclaim:

"All my relations."

Father Mark got these photos of me at St. Augustine before I departed.  Above is the school--and the words on the sign are in the Ho-Chunk/Winnebago language and mean, "Welcome."  Below is the Church.  Note that I'm wearing my Nebraska Sesquicentennial shirt, an occasion I celebrated because of the impact of my time at St. Augustine.  All other photos in this blog are mine.