June 2, 2020
To My Rainbow Family,
The murder of George Floyd and the events in its wake have been heavy on my heart. The youth in our country watches as its adults, role models, and elected officials reach the brink of maintaining their humanity. I fear for what witnessing such acts may instill in Gen Z as they are molded into tomorrow’s adults, role models, and elected officials.
As a mother, I possess a deep sense of accountability in raising my daughter to love in a way that binds creation together, rather than divides it. Until recently, I naively believed that I could successfully raise her to be colorblind. Recognizing that I do not fully understand the depth of my white privilege, I have been listening to black indigenous people of color (BIPOC) during these last few days. While I still have much to learn, I at least now realize that the only way for my daughter to grow to love as God intended is to actively talk with her about race in America.
As a Majority Rainbow girl, I hold dear my lessons of Love and Patriotism during these times. I seek to convey love that’s “a silken cord, strong as a chain of steel, binding creation together” and I seek to uphold my dedication to my “country and its Flag, the stars and stripes, symbol of American civilization, enlightenment, and liberty.” Today, I maintain my commitment to my initiatory vows by speaking out against the recent violations to the very freedoms and rights protected by the constitution upon which our founding fathers (many of whom were Masonic) built this country.
To my sisters and brothers of color: I stand with you. I seek to become an ally in combating the systemic racism that stands in the way of your American freedoms and God-given rights.
I encourage every member of Ohio Rainbow to listen, reflect, and open-mindedly engage in uncomfortable conversations about race. Demonstrating such vulnerability is hard, but I can personally say that you won’t regret having done so. You may say the wrong thing along the way, you may unintendedly solicit a negative reaction, but these moments merely present an opportunity to better yourself. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is necessary to grow. And growth is exactly what this nation needs right now.
With humility and love,
Whitney Poma
Supreme Deputy, Ohio