Jan14

fifteen minutes.

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  When America Joined Hands: The Day Hope Stretched Coast to Coast

hands across america

who remembers this?

i do, and it was pretty darn cool

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On May 25, 1986, something truly remarkable unfolded across the United States. More than six million people from every walk of life joined hands, forming a single human chain stretching from New York City all the way to Long Beach, California.

The event, known as Hands Across America, transformed strangers into neighbors and made hope visible. While celebrities like Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie helped shine a spotlight on the cause, the real power came from everyday people—parents and children, workers and students—standing side by side with a shared commitment to fight hunger and homelessness.

For fifteen unforgettable minutes, a living ribbon of humanity crossed cities, deserts, farmland, and rivers, proving that even in a vast and diverse nation, unity is possible.

The effort raised millions for food banks and housing programs, but its greatest legacy wasn’t financial. It was the message it left behind—a reminder that when we reach out and join hands, literally or figuratively, we can create something far greater than ourselves.

And perhaps now more than ever, it’s time to reach out again.

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‘when we know ourselves to be connected to all others, 

acting compassionately is simply the natural thing to do.’

-rachel naomi remen

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source/photo credit: earth geographic

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68 responses »

  4. Wow.. I remember when this made the local news in Trinidad. I was still in primary school, and our teacher made us replicate this in our neighborhood. I had never seen images of it before. But I remember all the parents and teachers, and the neighbors joining in.
    You’re right, Beth, it would be great to invite the nation to do this again.

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  6. “And though the moment passed,
    the echo remains—
    a reminder that sometimes the smallest gesture,
    a palm opening toward another,
    is enough to tilt the world a little closer to kindness.

    And maybe that’s all a country ever is —
    not the borders or the noise,
    but the soft imprint of a hand
    we didn’t expect to hold,
    and the quiet promise that we might
    reach again.” … Ivor

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  11. This is amazing, Beth. I haven’t heard or seen this before. Only something similar in a movie… a horror movie called Us. 🤣 Different vibe.

    I do wonder if this is still possible given how divided and polarized things are but as 1986 reminds us, it is so important to try and reach out.

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  23. Activists, faith leaders, union leaders and others in Minnesota have announced a “Day of Truth and Freedom” protest with no work, no school, no shopping on January 23. They are also planning a march. This is in response to the “federal invasion” (the term used by elected officials) of Minnesota by ICE and in response to the shooting of Renee Good. I encourage each of you to stand in solidarity with my state of Minnesota. I encourage you to stay fully-informed of the situation unfolding here and suggest following coverage by Minnesota Public Radio. We need your support.

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