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Robert Shropshire taught my academy and made me laugh and he made me
think about racism, reverse racism, what blocks each of us from
being our potential is just a story, which we can change, simple as
that. (Then he got angry about getting married and he did a
collegium which just blew everyone away.)<br>
<br>
He was also a facilitator for the Gibson Human Development Project
Consult in Gibson, North Carolina. I remember when he said he had
never seen a Southern town like Gibson before. He kept singing this
song about the company store under his breath. Those of us who were
there knew what he meant. And then he turned around and said that as
a Black African American man his role was about healing -
accountability, absolution and healing. Then he went and did the
Contradiction workshop. It was painful. <br>
<br>
He held everyone accountable, white, black, American Indians,
everyone.Then he said it was time for forgiveness. The room was
silent. Everyone looked at the white Mayor, who ran the company
store. Then it was like a revival. Amen, Amen, Amens were said all
around, started first by the Black reverends, and the black school
principal, then everyone.... (Or at least that is how I remember
it.)<br>
<br>
Later, he said, may be he would go to hell for this, but that is
what he needed to do. Amen to men of courage like Robert Shropshire.
Sing the Gibson Town Song under your breath and then Amazing Grace.
<br>
<br>
His mother is named Evelyn and his daughter is named Evelyn...I
never met anyone besides Bob who knew another Evelyn. I am so sorry
to hear of his death. I somehow feel he is some where laughing with
the Mystery expecting great things from us all to carry out God's
unfinished work. <br>
<br>
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and colleagues
who lived, and worked with Robert Shropshire, a very courageous man
indeed.<br>
<br>
Evelyn Kurihara Philbrook. <br>
<br>
On 5/31/2012 10:59 AM, <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:jsloan45@gmail.com">jsloan45@gmail.com</a> wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:0016368e2a6b6aeb7a04c14c43d7@google.com"
type="cite">I am saddened to hear of Robert's death. I often
wondered what ever happened with him. He, Carlos and I enjoyed
many long and wrenching conversations in appropriating being black
in American and in the Order. I have fond memories of teaching the
Urban Academy with him. He was a true treasure, and I pray that
his soul is at peace. <br>
<br>
Joyce Sloan<br>
<br>
On , E B <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:marosel2000@yahoo.com"><marosel2000@yahoo.com></a> wrote:<br>
> It is a sad day to hear of Robert's death. He was dean of my
first and second Academy.<br>
> May God have mercy and welcome him into His Kingdom. <br>
> Our deepest condolences to his bereaved family.<br>
> Elsa Batica<br>
> Minneapolis, MN<br>
> <br>
> <br>
> From: George Holcombe <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:geowanda1@me.com">geowanda1@me.com</a>><br>
> To: Order Ecumenical Community <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:OE@wedgeblade.net">OE@wedgeblade.net</a>>; ICA
LIST SERVE <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:dialogue@wedgeblade.net">dialogue@wedgeblade.net</a>> <br>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 7:15 PM<br>
> Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Death of Robert Shropshire<br>
> <br>
> <br>
> <br>
> Conna Wilkerson told me that Robert died Tuesday night at his
mother's home in Chicago. A service will be held for him on
Saturday.<br>
> <br>
> Wanda and I will never forget Robert. When he arrived at
Mowanjum, he was the star of the show, everyone thought he was the
greatest. Years later Robert and I had a great time playing music
at the summer programs. I'm sure others of us have memories of
Robert, too.<br>
> <br>
> <br>
> George Holcombe<br>
> 14900 Yellowleaf Tr.<br>
> Austin, TX 78728<br>
> Mobile 512/252-2756<br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:geowanda1@me.com">geowanda1@me.com</a><br>
> <br>
> <br>
> Hope appeareth, but it is not your Hope—you do not have
anything to do with it. It just appeareth. It comes as a stranger,
as an alien—it just appeareth! You do not even know why you hope.
How in the world could you hope when there is absolutely nothing
to justify any hope? ~Joseph W. Mathews<br>
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> _______________________________________________<br>
> OE mailing list<br>
> <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net">OE@lists.wedgeblade.net</a><br>
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