In 2016, UUAmherst began displaying solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement. We began this journey at our June 2015 annual congregational meeting when we first brought up the idea of putting up a sign in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Our resolve was bolstered by the Action for Immediate Witness adopted at the 2015 General Assembly asking Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country to find ways of support the Black Lives Matter Movement. 

After a year of study and discussion, the congregation voted to put up such a sign. By displaying a Black Lives Matter sign, we join other churches who are shining a light on the need for racial justice in our community. 

Since the beginning there have been both positive and negative reactions. The one act of vandalism occurred in 2017 about a year after it had been put up. After cleaning, the damaged side was still readable so it was left as a symbol of perserverence.