On May 1, over eighty persons scattered across the country gathered via internet to celebrate the life of Mimosa Thomas. During the course of that memorial service both young and old voices spoke out in Quaker fashion to celebrate her life of concern, compassion, and sustained commitment to improve the lives of others. As stories were told and memories were shared by persons whose lives had been touched by Mimosa, a vivid picture emerged of a caring child raised in a distant corner of Texas who became a teenage activist for social justice issues in her community, and later blossomed as a young adult leader at FCNL sponsored events.
Through her FCNL involvement she influenced other young adults from across the nation by sharing the experiences and understanding which she had gained by growing up in Texas and spending her college years on the Mexican Border at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. It was quite moving during her memorial service to hear the gratitude expressed by her peers regarding the inspiration and encouragement that they had received from Mimosa. It was also gratifying to hear staff members from FCNL express their deeply felt appreciation for Mimosa s contributions to FCNL and its Young Adult Programs.
To honor the life of Mimosa Thomas and to enable other Young Adults to follow in her footsteps we invite you to contribute to the Mimosa Thomas Memorial Fund . The collection period for this fund will end on Sept 30, 2020 at which time all collected funds will be transferred to FCNL s Young Adult Endowment Fund . This FCNL fund is used to sponsor FCNL s Young Adult Programs such as: Spring Lobby Weekend and the Advocacy Corp . Both of these were a valued part of Mimosa s life. Of special importance to us in the SCYM is knowing that a portion of the funds in FCNL s Young Adult Endowment Fund are awarded annually to both Quaker and non-Quaker young adult applicants requiring/requesting travel assistance to participate in FCNL events. Considering the rich diversity of young adults (Native American, Latino, African American, Asian, and Anglo) living in our four-state area, and the wide range of their family, community, and regional experiences; it is gratifying to know that FCNL reaches out to them and provides travel funds when needed. Thus, allowing their young voices to be raised as they speak truth to power at our Nation s Capital in DC as Mimosa Thomas did so effectively in Quaker fashion.
Those who choose to contribute to the Mimosa Thomas Memorial Fund , please send a check, money order, or cash to Norman Friends Meeting, PO BOX 5881, Norman Oklahoma,73070. Checks and money orders should be made out to Norman Friends Meeting . As a point of clarification this is a one-time collection that will end on Sept 30, 2020, and all collected funds will be transferred to FCNL s Young Adult Endowment Fund .
Thank you for pausing to remember Mimosa and reflecting on the Quaker path she left for other young persons to follow.
In friendship,
Gail and John Fletcher
Coordinators of the Mimosa Thomas Memorial Fund