A gun can be seen in two ways. A useful item for protection or provisioning or an intimidating and fear filled tool for death. It’s truly in the hands of the user. Those who use on properly and carry the level of respect an implement like a firearm requires know that the misuse of a gun bringing gun violence to the front and center of our daily lives causes the pain, grief and anxiety that sometimes can’t be taken away. It’s a social issue that should not be one in reality, but….any useful tool finds someone that’s going to misuse it. When that happens, and a soul is lost to gun violence…the reflection begins. Thus the Soul Box Project.
A Soul Box is a simple memorial that is an origami remembrance of a victim of gun violence. Artist Leslie Lee of Portland Oregon came up with the idea in 2017 after the Las Vegas shooting at the concert happening in the outdoor festival. The display then went on and has been a travelling memorial to those lost. The national display reached over 200,000 boxes and the local displays that echo the original continue to be created to remind communities that the discussion isn’t around politics, chest puffery or how guns should be taken away….it’s a whisper of reality saying that loss, grief and sorrow are ever lasting, and that a gun took someone away…and that hole won’t be repaired.
The Central United Methodist Church of Muskegon will be hosting The Soul Box Project from September 22nd through October 8th. You’ll find the times that the display is open listed below in the photo. This gallery is meant to be a learning opportunity for all to help understand that sometimes emotion is best expressed through something other than words. Pastor Rob Cook and Leeann Heywood of the church invited me down to discuss the viewing opportunity of this memorial at the historically significant church in Downtown Muskegon. It’s a great opportunity for individuals, families or groups to come down and see first hand that a loss to gun violence is so much more than a 30 second sound bite on the news. It’s a lifelong loss. Full stop. Zero argument. No matter the stance on the overblown politics on guns….someone isn’t coming home anymore.
The self guided walk throughs can be done anytime the exhibit is open. If by chance you’d like to arrange for a larger group in a time that might not be scheduled to open, Rob says that a call to the office might be a good idea to try and make some arrangements. 231-722-6545. The Central United Methodist Church is a remarkably important piece of our history and current Downtown Muskegon culture. They operate SO much out of their building to help sustain need in our community along with being an open and welcoming faith center. To visit it alone for it’s heritage and historical significance is one thing, but to know the “soul” of what still goes on in this building that was dedicated in 1930….96 years ago…..including the Soul Box Project……that’s what we hold dear in this piece. As well as a space for those who’ve had a loss due to gun violence.
