I have deep gratitude for Hadassah Greensky for including a stop at Charity’s Tree, as part of the Water Walk on Waabizii Mnising (also known as Belle Isle) as part of Indigenous Peoples Day events in Detroit.
In the summer of 2015, on the 1 year anniversary of Charity Hick’s transition from this plane, a small group, including Water Protectors, Water Warriors, friends, and family gathered on Wahnabezee, close to the Detroit River. Together we dug a hole, and with great intention and in honor of a beautiful community member, and a Goliath in fighting injustice, we planted a baby willow tree, collectively filled the hole with dirt and water, and circled around the little tree, as we prayed, sang, cried and laughed.
Charity Hicks time on earth was too short, but in that brief time, she made so many meaningful connections with people and with information. Charity was an Environmental Justice Activist and Educator who moved the people and things she touched forward in profound ways. Her life was cut short, under circumstances that still make many of us angry. But I want to share about her life.
Charity was known around the world for her love of land and people. I ask that you Google her to learn more and watch as many videos of her, as you can find. My mom once said, “Everyone should know her story”. There is too much to share in this short article. I do want to say that just about a month before her transition, many of us gathered at St Peter’s Church, I remember that day clearly, the church was full, while standing at the podium Charity told us it was time to “Wage a Campaign of Love!” It was so powerful. There she stood with her gentle and strong voice, full of love for each of us and ready to go on a mission with us, due to that love. Forever we will say the words “Wage Love” and think of Charity and know exactly what she meant, and know that this continues to be the most important work for each of us- to “Wage Love!”
I am one of many who visit the tree often, I collect paper and plastic left behind from people’s good times on the island. I talk and sing to her, I play in her long branches and bring water to her from the river. I enjoy all the friends who visit her here. I often see, geese and other birds, sometimes a black squirrel, a spider, or a flying insect. She is growing so fast, catching up in height to the very weathered Grandmother Tree who stands by the water, often people who haven’t visited in a while, check in with me to make sure that’s her. It is. Standing Tall and Waging Love.
