SEPTEMBER 3, 1934
AUGUST 19, 2023
Memories to Cherish
A Legendary Life
A warrior for racial justice, a mighty oak has fallen yet his work, vision and impact live on. It is with heavy hearts and a lifetime of wonderful memories that we honor and celebrate the life and work of Joseph Barndt. Joe was a friend and mentor to many of us and led white people into the movement for racial justice with a gentle, firm manner. He offered so many gifts: his books, his stories, his humility, and his relationships with anti-racist organizers across the country. The impact of Joe's commitment to anti-racist organizing is immeasurable. He inspired change in The People's Institute Network, the congregations he served, residents of neighborhoods from coast to coast in the US and across the waters to international communities and congregations. Joe Barndt's wit, spiritual foundation, love for building change teams with a 50 year plan, and large binders chuck full of information, along with his joy and fundamental belief that anti-racist work is the work of the church has made a profound impact on all who know him, were mentored by him or experienced him in a workshop. The Co-founder of The People' Institute, Brother Ron Chisom, has stated over the years that when he met Joe Barndt, Joe was working in The Bronx at a time when the Black and Latino community were suffering and dying from the war on poor people. Ron and the PISAB leadership at the time shared the Undoing Racism Workshop's trademarked Power Analysis with Joe and he went on to utilize it as he co-founded Crossroads Ministries. The two organizations learned from each other, shared in the anti-racist analysis and became sister organizations. The People's Institute has been grateful to work with Joe more closely since 2004. In 2019, Joe provided leadership with NY/NJ based clergy and laypeople to establish The Interfaith Anti-Racism Coalition. The long-term purpose of the Coalition is to collectively address our society with a powerful voice and with unified actions, contributing toward ending racism and furthering racial justice and equity in our political, economic and social systems. Joe was always clear that the work is an "inside job and an outside job.” He knew this meant that as organizers we develop within ourselves unambiguous anti-racist identities and clear anti-racist voices that are consistent with our religious beliefs and traditions. Many Joe mentored and learned with and from continue to organize in faithbased communities. Joe's current passion, work, and vision has been to ensure that we as organizers, networkers and trainers become more effective agents of change in our organizing. Joseph was leading our efforts to put in place a renewed and stronger emphasis on understanding racism in systems and institutions. He believed that as the world around us moves slowly and reluctantly toward a greater acceptance of the systemic and institutionalized nature of racism, it is required of us to become even more aware and to sharpen our understanding around what it means to undo systemic racism. As he and the team wrote: "Wherever the dehumanizing consequences of racism have taken root in us and our society, it has always been our highest priority to be anti-racist organizers that can restore humanity in us, our communities and our broken world." The People's Institute offers this tribute to his devoted wife Susan Birkelo and his family. Rev. Joseph Barndt's passion, vision, leadership and understanding of the abuse of power inherent in systemic and institutional racism has left an indelible mark on the positive growth and evolution of the People's Institute network, organizers and trainers. Joe was always calling us higher while remaining humble and working on his own whiteness. Joe remained loyal to principled anti-racist organizing to the end. Constantly planning next steps, clarifying agenda items, and challenging systems, institutions and organizers. Joe was a tremendous force in the movement for racial justice, and his influence will extend long beyond his physical time with us. He dealt with many health challenges in the last years of his life with grace and an unwavering commitment to the work. We will remember him wearing a fedora sitting, legs crossed, head in hand, listening intently -- and we will hold his beautiful, sparkling smile and spirit in our hearts. He now has joined Dr. Jim Dunn, co-founder of The People's Institute, and many members of our movement to undo racism and elevate humanity dwelling in the village of the ancestors. He joins them guiding and inspiring us to press on. That the struggle continues and that together we will win!
With Sincerest Gratitude: A heartfelt thank you to all who have come together to honor and celebrate Joe’s life today. For all who have participated in this service, given of their gifts and time, traveled from a great or short distance, shared their remembrances, and offered words of comfort, support, and love I am beyond grateful. Lutheran Community Church was a spiritual home for us for almost two decades and has graciously hosted this service and reception today. Together with Pastor Joe we worked during that time to become a more inclusive church and came to include the name of antiracist in our statement of mission and who we are. For the past several years The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond was Joe’s principal base for his antiracism training and for furthering the analysis and practice to meet the challenges of these days. You made it possible for Joe to continue to offer his skills and touch many more lives through your organizing work across the country. The offering of this program is another honoring of that relationship and so very much appreciated. Above all, I give thanks to God for the last four decades of life shared with Joe and being able to be part of a movement shared by so many of breaking down walls and boundaries that divide us and restoring the broken family of God as he described it. Our own sense of family grew daily as we met others who shared that passion. Know that you are loved and appreciated this day and always. Blessings, Susan Birkelo Special Prayer:
We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of The Rev. Joseph Barndt, who faithfully served the ELCA and its predecessor bodies for over 50 years. His ministry and his witness have a lasting effect on the people and systems of this Church. We celebrate his life and the legacy of his ministry. May we all rejoice with the communion of saints that Joe, child of God, has claimed his baptismal promise and lives in perpetual life and love with his Lord Amen. Bishop Claire S. Burkhat Services Provided By: Lutheran Community Church Iglesia Luterana de la Comunidad 95 Alta Vista Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076 Ave Maria Memorial Chapel 609 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
Continued Support: You may make a donation in Rev. Barndt’s honor to the Lutheran Community Church of Watsonville. If you have been inspired, intrigued or are interested in learning more you may organize an Undoing Racism Workshop for your community of faith, a community-based organization or underwrite individuals or groups to attend a workshop. www.pisab.org messages@pisb.org
After the Service: All are welcome to the reception in the social hall following the service. There we will share more remembrances as well as food as we celebrate Pastor Joe’s life that has touched us all. Todos son bienvenidos a la recepción en el salón social después del servicio. Allí podremos compartir más recuerdos y comida mientras celebramos la vida del Pastor Joe que nos ha tocado a todos.
Program Design By: www.celbrationsgraphicdesigns.com Program Provided By: The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond