Opening Remarks by Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Betty Burkes at an "Evening with Progressive Voices"

"Delighted to open this evening where we have gathered to both voice our appreciation to Marjorie for her persistent, smart, courageous, audacious, emphatic, determined, the much hard work for what she believes in, for what she believes is right. And to highlight the wise tenants of organizing, noticing that it takes a whole village for Marjorie to be all she has been and all that she still wants to be.

Marjorie has been the Progressive and, some would say, radical voice in the service of re-imagining the way things are and modeling the ethical conduct worthy of an elected official. But it takes a village of engaged, informed and active citizens to be the keepers of Marjorie's back, her front and center as she represents us in the 'public arena.'

It takes all of us doing our part.  We are her village.

The 'public arena' can be a mean and dangerous place. No woman, no matter how strong and brilliant can do what Marjorie does without the consistent and caring presence of that village.  We are in a profound sense, her accompaniment.

This evening we gather in the spirit of connection and relationship, inquiry and curiosity about the future and about this present moment of occupation erupting around the country and the emerging new directions for organizing.

I have always admired Marjorie and loved her for refusing to allow the city government of Cambridge to only think small and local. Whenever an effort arises to isolate a local issue from the global reality, she steps boldly forward and makes the connection. 

I am so pleased to share with you, the honor of being a member of the village that accompanies Marjorie, supports her reelection and a DKMB (Dedicated Keeper of Marjorie's Back)."

Betty Burkes, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee

Opening Remarks for an "Evening with Progressive Voices"

October 19th, 2011