MARRY DURHAM/wedding ceremony
Today, we merge our memories. We gather to collect our thoughts related to the city we all love so much. Our collective memories serve as the backdrop for a day made possible due to our appreciation for what it means for us to be joined by our former days.
The mixture of hues and ideologies is what makes this day a celebration of oneness. It is our willingness to build beyond our distinction that makes our home a place like no other. We gather to show our love for the myriad of places we all have come to love. We cherish our assortment of places for fine dining- some with seats and others with serving stations on wheels.
We honor the places that educate us: our schools and universities, our museums and libraries and the vast nonprofits dedicated to building hope and teaching a better way. We mark the memories of those who helped build the Black Wall Street. We remember the lives of those who treaded the rivers of our hallowed union. We stand today a community made better by our difference. We have fought the lure of sacrificing the range of our difference for a façade of inclusion.
The strength of our bond is the clash of colors and perspectives on the canvas called Durham. We are more than communities divided by districts, streets, subdivisions and roadblocks. We are married by our thoughts. We are married by a love made deeper by the strength of the others in our community. We are more than the labels others create to separate and define. We are married to the truth of universal claims. We are more powerful because of every you in our city.
Today, we marry our city. In doing so we affirm our love for each other. Today, we marry each other. Beyond race. Beyond gender. Beyond class. Beyond sexual orientation. Beyond religion and all other declarations. For better and for worse. In times of economic strength and recession. We love you Durham and we love each person gathered to bear witness to our absolute love for all that makes our happy home.
Now, as we hold hands in solidarity, we build a human bond of love stronger than all words and actions of contradiction. We claim the command of our communal witness.
I commit to cherish diversity by celebrating the contributions made by so many in Durham. I promise to keep our streets clean and to do all I can to make them safe. I vow to show love for Durham by shopping locally and by protecting our natural resources. I promise to learn more about and to support Durham’s nonprofits. I will support our local artist by purchasing their work and sharing with others the creative geniuses in Durham. I vow to participate in local government by electing local leaders and holding them accountable to the meaning of our union. I promise to promote the strengths of the city I love rather than to demean and destroy the reputation when I disagree with the actions of others I vow to love. In good weather and during snow storms; during good days and heated elections-I give myself to you Durham…until death do us part. And, if I relocate to another city, I will spread the word wherever I go-there is no place like Durham.
As we take time to gaze at the city we love so much we proclaim that love. We begin by sharing our love with each other. We pause now to share our love by finding a person..a person you have never met..and sharing your love for the city and the people who make this your happy home.
(People share with each other for 30 seconds).
And, now, by the power invested in my by the city I love so much..I now pronounce you citizen and city. Let no news article, blog posting or outburst of another destroy what you have for one another.
You may express your love by shouting from the top of your voice..WE LOVE YOU DURHAM
Preacha Man: Carl Keeney
Please Note: Improv most likely did happen
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