How does love fuel our activism?

“My love for humanity is what drives me, but also my rage at injustice.”

When Justine Lucas was 22 she got Love & Rage tattooed on her forearm. It symbolizes the way her late friend, Eric, signed his letters. What began as a way to honor him went on to shape her perspective in an enduring way. 

“I often glance at it and reflect on the evolution of its meaning,” she says. “I give myself permission to let in and give out all of the love. But, I also recognize that there is a time and place for rage.” 

“My love for humanity is what drives me, but also my rage at injustice.” 

It’s this love that makes justice, as she describes, the throughline of her values, work, and how she spends her free time. Our conversation is an exploration of the experiences that shaped her activism; Beginning with the AIDS ride that taught her that justice is a fight through becoming a pioneer in the climate justice and resilience movements as Executive Director of The Clara Lionel Foundation. 

“I had been on this steady trajectory from being shy as a young kid, to gaining more and more confidence, to finding my literal voice and passion through shouting and speaking at protests… All these experiences were formative in finding my voice and knowing how I wanted to use it.”  

Justine’s story illuminates the courage we discover when love meets purpose. It’s also an invitation to turn hope into action. 

This week, let’s reflect on a cause that matters to us. How might you take one step, no matter how small, to turn your love into action? 

With gratitude,
Jenna