Ask the Answer Person: What is the source or the organization that is making these 'Love is Love' signs available?"

Bill e-mails The Answer Person: "I am most interested in the yard signs I see showing up around town that starts with the saying  "In our America, Love is Love" and includes a number of short, inspiring messages.  What is the source or the organization that is making these available?"

The "We Believe" signs originate from a Black-owned, Portland, OR based company. The best-selling "We Believe" sign captures the spirit of the resistance by combining powerful messages into one impactful sign. And like the movement behind the powerful messages, the signs are built to last.  The 2-sided, high-resolution sign is printed on premium corrugated plastic and is weatherproof so it can stand proudly in all conditions.

decorahnews.com reached out to Johanna Bergan for further comment about how the signs started showing up all around Decorah.  In an email, she replied, "The first Decorah group order was originated from Sarah Krammen who organized an order of the signs for any interested neighbors in Decorah's West side. The signs have become quite popular in recent days, and the company has limited orders. Signs are no longer available for single purchase but rather in increments of 10. Sarah's desire for one sign led to this first community order of ten.

I was number 11 or 12 of individuals who wanted a sign. Having missed out on this first order of 10, I offered to order another round of 10 signs for anyone else who felt like they had missed out. 60 people requested one! As soon as I had placed this order, additional sign requests kept coming in. In total, I ordered 20 signs before needing to take a break from the organizing.

Liza Hickens stepped up for the next order. By this time we had a massive Google doc going to manage order and pick up lists. In tota,l Liza has ordered 110 signs for folks in town to date. Signs were delivered to our homes, and with COVID safety precautions in place, we implemented a self pick-up and payment system.

The Oneota Community Co-op received requests for these signs, again because of the limitation on ordering just 1, and is now regularly stocking the signs. As long as interest remains, signs will be available at the Co-op. Signs are currently priced at $15.00.

When I first saw Sarah's Facebook post about the signs, they spoke to me on several levels. We are currently experiencing a swell in anti-racism efforts across the country, in support of, and allyship to, the Black Lives Matter movement. This movement matters, and is necessary, across our country and here in Decorah. The sign was a way to visually state to my neighborhood the importance of the movement and to offer a daily reminder that the work of this movement is not fleeting.

To find equity in our world, we will each be called to take action, day in and day out. To me the signs are a reminder to all of this that protesting once is not enough. This sign in particular calls to me because it articulates the intersectionality of movements. The 'We Believe' statements refer to many causes and beliefs that are important to me. There is overlap, connection, and unification in our actions as we work to create a more equitable world.

My hope is that individuals who are identified by, or represented in, any of the statements on the signs feel seen and recognized as important when they drive or walk by the signs.

Unfortunately there have been a few instances of signs being stolen from yards. Individuals stepped up to reorder stolen signs and donations were received to replace others.

At this point we would encourage others to set up community orders of 10 with their neighbors or friends or to purchase a sign from the Oneota Community Co-op."

To place an order or to learn more about the Sign of Justice organization who makes these and many other signs, click here.