Organizer’s Corner: James Morgan Interview by Margaret Irwin
Journey to Justice Bus Tour James and other MOSES members handed out flyers on the Capitol Square on Oct. 11; several people who took flyers came to the event on Oct. 12. “Fantastic” was the term James used to describe the exhibits on the bus (see p. X for a further report). He deemed the event, including the two panel discussions, “an eye-opening experience for everyone.” Reps. Darrin Madison and Ryan Clancy, as well as gubernatorial candidates Rep. Francesca Hong and Sen. Kelda Roys, were among the panelists.
MOSES Gala Nov. 22 This year MOSES will be celebrating one honoree, who will share an inspirational story of transformation. At the Gala, we will also be recognizing JustDane, an organization that contributes to the well-being of formerly incarcerated people, their families, and the Dane County community. In addition, we will be honoring one of MOSES’s past presidents.
Community Forum James has been talking to individuals and other organizations about sponsoring a community forum in the early spring regarding education, voting, health care, and incarceration. Hopefully, this roundtable discussion will lead to action steps to improve life in our community. One state legislator has already agreed to participate.
Indigenous People’s Day/Rights of Nature Bill at the State Capitol James represented MOSES at this Oct. 13 celebration. He recruited Art Shegonee to give the opening blessing at the ceremony. He was touched to be able to offer a pouch of tobacco to Shegonee, a member of the Menominee and Potowatomi tribes, as a sign of respect to an elder. During the event, legislation was proposed regarding the rights of nature – how we engage and protect the air, land, water, and trees in our state.
New MOSES Office The new office, which is located in The Crossing, 1127 University Ave., Room 218, is officially open. James plans to be there Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. He welcomes people to stop in for conversation and to see the new space. Please phone ahead to make sure he’s actually in the office. “It’s not my office, it’s our space,” he says.
James looks forward to working with Michael Burch, director of The Crossing Campus Ministry, in engaging with students. He recently had dinner with some of them and enjoyed their curiosity and willingness to discuss justice issues.
Motivation Someone asked James why he is a part of MOSES. He responded: “I believe in the work people have done in MOSES. I am in awe of how it has grown and dealt in a dignified and respectful manner with challenges that have come its way. MOSES is willing to ask the vital questions of officials in the fields of policing, incarceration, housing, and education.”
“MOSES would not exist and operate without the participation of every single volunteer, going back to its founding,” he added.
James urges us to develop an overall sense of the organization. We are prone to focus on the one area where we volunteer, but we need to know what people in other areas are doing, as well. Being able to tell others about the breadth of our work is important for community recognition and for growth of our organization.
“Let’s continue to embrace and invest in one another and in the community,” James says. “This will help bridge the economic, racial, and gender divides that certain powers are seeking to deepen. We’re not only setting a direction for others to follow; we’re establishing a legacy that will continue for decades.”
Let’s Do MOSES!