Crossing Divides: My Journey to Standing Rock

by Vernon Benjamin, Will Nixon (editor)

On Thanksgiving Day in 2016, Vernon Benjamin, aged 70, loaded his pickup with supplies for the protesters at Standing Rock opposed to a new oil pipeline and left his home in upstate New York for a journey across America, unlike anything he’d ever done. He cared deeply about Native American causes. But Trump had won the election. The country was falling apart. Benjamin had always been a journalist, a historian, and a poet. Now could he be an activist who put his heart and soul on the line? What he found at Standing Rock and in himself changed his life.

"A little book with a big heart." -- Ned Sullivan, President, Scenic Hudson

"Read this book and meet a remarkable man." -- Fred Costello, Saugerties Town Supervisor

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Memoir

56 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2023

Reviews

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t help but be inspired by the inner and outer journey of this 70-year-old man whose heart was awakened to caring and taking action against injustice. He crossed the great divide of apathy and overwhelm that can otherwise so easily cause us to look away from the suffering of others. Vernon Benjamin stepped out of his everyday life, filled his truck with practical supplies, and drove across country to join the Standing Rock protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. It made me take a good look at my own willingness to stand up and be counted.

[Mary Lois Timbes Adshead]

CROSSING DIVIDES is a little book that gets its power from the spirit of its gentle and brilliant author, the late journalist Vernon Benjamin, who at age 70 undertook a personal journey from the comfort of his home in the Hudson Valley of New York State to North Dakota--to bring supplies to protestors at Standing Rock. I knew nothing of Benjamin, or even of the protest, before reading this account, written in real time and worked on for four years, but I found his writing eloquent and his very experience inspiring. I understand the new journeys we can take late in life, and his insights into the muddle our country has gotten itself into reminded me that each of us must take responsibility for our level of redemption. It's an eye-opening read.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice small book compiled posthumously by folks who knew Vern and admired his work and courage. I had the privilege of getting to serve as a mentor for him when he took another round of Climate Reality Leadership training (VP Al Gore’s advocacy group). However our interaction took place in virtual meeting since it was still during the time of covid. I was looking forward to having an opportunity to meet in person, but we never had a chance. This book, and his two part Hudson Valley history volumes, will keep his accomplishments in mind. I appreciate that this little volume was published.

[Allison Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and writer of the foreword Will Nixon. I liked getting the handwritten card with it. Really added a personal touch. I very much enjoyed this short essay he wrote and I'm glad it got published posthumously. I knew a bit about Standing Rock and have read about the awful things that were done to Native Americans. I wish I could've met Vernon Benjamin. Reading this made me want to get up and make a difference in my own community. I've become more socially conscious as I've gotten older. More aware of the pain people experience. I hope I can at least make a small difference in someone's life.

I won this book through a Goodreads contest:-)

[JDR · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A little book with a big heart!" A seventy year-old man packs his pickup truck with supplies and drives across the country to stand with the indigenous resistance at Standing Rock. Vern Benjamin offers a penetrating view of the solidarity, and community that stands against injustice.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Vernon Benjamin’s experience at standing rock, and hearing more about the history and significance of standing rock

[George Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Crossing Divides” is a jewel of a book.

A short but elucidating work that serves us on multiple levels. It traces Hudson Valley historian and journalist Vernon Benjamin’s trek west to support the Standing Rock showdown and fight against further degradation and desecration of Native American sacred grounds by big-business oil concerns; it journal’s Benjamin’s thoughts and mixed emotions of being a septuagenarian, long-sensitive and advocating environmental awareness, but feeling late to the “actual doing something” about it game congruent with his deep feelings. A highly revelatory, stark, honest look into a caring, modern citizen’s conflicted soul. Don’t we all share some tinge of guilt occupying grounds essentially stolen from America’s aboriginal inhabitants?

Will Nixon’s wonderful introduction provides readers a welcome primer regarding the complex, exploitive history of the oil and gas industries’ blind rush to extract natural resources from our country at the cost of the health of our population, let alone irreparable damage to the ecology of our land, coast to coast.

Nixon’s literary contributions to works illuminating the splendor of the Hudson Valley region and its colorful personages through his Bushwack Books imprint continue to inspire.

— George J Nicholson

[Susan Deer Cloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Vernon Benjamin's CROSSING DIVIDES: My Journey to Standing Rock is physically a slim volume, spiritually it is an end of life tale of immense depth and breadth. This is a quiet, modest, and moving recounting of a 70 year old man's decision to drive from Saugerties, New York, to North Dakota to give whatever support possible to the Lakota people protesting an oil pipeline being forced through their homeland. Benjamin's journey began in that fateful fall of 2016 not long after Trump became President (a different kind of fall for our country), and I thought how perfect that this man still possessing a moral compass made such a stand when it was obvious our country had become the Disunited States of too many citizens devolved into a loud, thoughtless, vulgar rabble in thrall to a fool. I highly recommend this heartening story when so many people have lost heart in recent years or, worse, lost all sense of decency and human dignity. I am so grateful to Will Nixon for editing and publishing CROSSING DIVIDES, including his Introduction and the brief Biography at book's end. It left me wishing I could have met Vernon Benjamin before he left this Mother Earth not with a whimper but a defiant bang of kind caring.

[Lynn Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three-part format—Will Nixon's intro focusing on the pipeline protest and Vern’s involvement, Vern’s essay, and the postscript bio—works well, capturing Vern’s life and work from different perspectives. Vern's adventure driving out to North Dakota was enriched by his sense (and knowledge) of the land and the first occupants, and the way he interspersed his observations of the landscape and glimpses of the culture and his own life moved me. (I particularly like the passage in which he imagines the primeval Pennsylvania landscape from a mere glance out the window as a truck passes.) The whole thing feels off-kilter but deep—the kind of “peripheral” stuff you omit from your “professional” work that yet resides deep in the heart. I was struck by his honesty in describing his discomfort at feeling he doesn't belong to Standing Rock and indeed, believing he’s not fully alive the way he imagines native peoples are (were), which is a condition many of us share! Thanks to Will Nixon for publishing this lovely little volume and commemorating a man who, through his research, writing, and activism, was the conscience of our region and times.

[Helen K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vernon Benjamin’s Crossing Divides: My Journey to Standing Rock stands out as an intimate recounting and evocation of his journey – in his mind and heart and in his miles traveled – as he drove toward Standing Rock and did what he felt he could do to support those protesting. Words are so important – when they are spoken with remarkable purpose and a sense of deep emotion and perception. He knew he had to do something – there was a simmering passion in his soul. But when he arrived, he felt that what he had to offer was so small against what they needed and that he did not belong. Yet, it was important for him to provide his support. He gained new friends and understanding about what they were enduring. He learned a lot about himself in his journey to Standing Rock and returning home: “repurpose the community of man in an embrace of the simplest of values, the ones that have been there all along for us to see and witness, the first peoples’ notion of spirituality and nature sustenance.” This is a small book full to the brim with deeply reflective thoughts.

[Allison Damico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this nice and short essay from Vernon Benjamin. He honestly seems so fascinating as they detailed his life at the end, he was involved in so many ways. I sometimes feel like these stories of someone’s experience can drag on and bore me but this was short and to the point. I learned that I want to be involved more in not just my community but the nation. There are things going on that may not feel they impact us directly like the protests at Standing Rock, but you better believe they do. Get involved, stay awake, pay attention to what’s going on around us. Something we think as small and insignificant as Vernon thought he did bringing bales of hay, sandwiches, chocolate etc to the protestors - they made a difference whether he thought so or not. I could read his writing all day too, something about his style that drew me in. I am going to look into his other published books that he apparently put his heart and soul into about the Hudson Valley. #goodreadsgiveaway

[Katie Cokinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-felt, inspiring, wisdom filled account of author Vernon Benjamin's drive across the country to Standing Rock, Thanksgiving of 2016. It was a strange time when the United States felt like it was coming the Disunited States and Benjamin's account of the whole crumbling mess happening in our republic and in particular at Standing Rock reminded me of Larry McMurtry's book, Roads - reflections and stories filling the miles as he took to our freeways and hi ways. The drive is unique in some ways to America - the road movie in a sense and Benjamin, similar to McMurtry, captures it beautifully. Benjamin was a witness to the paradigm shift that happened and is still ongoing. Crossing Divides: My Journey to Standing Rock is a must read for those of us who weren't able to physically make it out to Standing Rock but looked on from the sidelines with bewilderment and disbelief but ultimately hope.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a journal of a journey within and without, it is a call to walk one’s talk as Vernon did in his cross country trip to Standing Rock to gather in solidarity with the native tribes there. it is a protest inner and outer, so desperately needed today as genuine response to restore reverence and responsibility for Nature, for the planet and for ourselves. Reading it, I ask myself: How do I live my love for Nature, with Nature, according to my true Nature?

The story is beautifully framed by Will Nixon’s Preface which outlines the facts of the pipeline protest and his bio of the author, whose journal of his journey to Standing Rock is a story whose time has come to stay and inspire us, move us to action and transformation.

[Briann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was short and hard to understand, which makes sense considering it was an essay published posthumously. This means that (1) Benjamin was still editing, adding to, and revising the work and (2) it was meant as an essay, not a book. I think it would have been helpful to include these facts at the beginning of the book. Also, the essay/book could have been more meaningful if it had contributions from other people. As it reads currently, it comes off as “white savior-y.” Based on what everyone says about Benjamin, this was not what he intended at all. Therefore, the essay/book could have definitely had some more editing and revisions to make it better.

I also think it would be nice to include some of Benjamin's other essays, as this is a work meant to memorialize him.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving account by the eminent Hudson Valley historian of his late in life trip to a massive protest. Armed with supplies and gifts from locals, Benjamin arrives inadequately dressed for the Dakotas and discovers his passion for the protest is strong but his innocence about the unfamiliar world of large-scale activism is stronger. His sympathy for the indigenous peoples is clear and he paints a vivid account of their efforts as well as his naïveté. I wound up with even more respect for Vernon Benjamin and a deeper understand of Standing Rock and what it means to our country. Short but poignant read that sticks with me.

[Robert P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vernon Benjamin's story is one that we all would like to share. It's a journey of finding your truth and committing to your ideals and beliefs. He shows us how change that happens at a small level can contribute to a larger piece of the puzzle and make an impact on the world around us. "Crossing Divides" takes us to the center of a movement and shows us the struggle that isn't shown on the news. It's an inspiring story of how one person can take a chance, leave all he knows and make a difference in the world beyond his backyard. Highly recommended for those readers interested in world events, justice and the fight for what is right.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won this off of LibraryThing.

This may be a small book, but it has a big punch to it.
A small book that will tug at you .

Vernon Benjamin at the age of you who undertakes a journey, that not
may of us at that age would do. He packs up supplies to bring to the
protesters at Standing Rock.. These protesters a native Americans, who
are protesting against the pipeline that is to cross through their land.

I have heard the word Fracking and about people fighting against the
pipeline. Just never really seen what it meant.

This tells how he stood up with the people of Standing Rock.

A interesting read.

[Linda Alfafara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book carried a big and powerful message. Vernon Benjamin cared deeply about about Native American causes and our environment. It was important for him to go to Standing Rock and bring supplies to the protesters. He was a humble man with a huge heart. I won this book in the Giveaway and I’m so grateful that I did.

[Steven H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read about a lifelong activist who decides to make the cross-country trek to help out where he can for a cause that is close to his heart. The essay was written by Vernon himself and describes his history and his passions and the reasons for supporting the cause. Will Nixon provides a introduction and conclusion to the book after Vernon's passing in 2022. The book was part of a giveaway on Library Thing.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and poignant memoir about a 70yrs old man who decided to join a protest to protect environment and First Nation rights.
Moving and thought provoking.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Larry R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing Divides is a small book (in pages) and large in its inspiration, and knowledge of why must all work to save our planet. It left me thinking- and for many is a call to action- a good read!

[Joan Reinmuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

On what compels you to drive 1,6000 miles alone into moral history, dropping off truck load of supplies and leaving identification of
“anonymous”

[Marjorie Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Nixon did an outstanding job bringing Vernon Benjamin's work and thoughts to life.
It was a pleasure reading this book and I learned a great deal.
President, Saugerties Historical Society

[Michael Saporito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way Benjamin takes us on his journey and what he feels about what he finds.An important reminder of what Native Americans are still going through.Will Nixon does a great job of sharing it with us.

[Mary McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weaving current history and literature, crossing America with a writer's sensitivity, while bringing it back to the real struggles happening today. Thank you to author and editors.

[Jill Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book but very powerful. Thank you Will Nixion for the signed card you sent.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the topic and the person it was about was extremely interesting, I felt it was a bit rushed and could have been expanded on quite a bit more.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Nixon reached out to my sister, Stacey, and I (Rachel) regarding our father, Vernon Benjamin's Crossing Divides essay. He had the vision to take Vernon's story and turn it into this exceptional little book. Will has done an exceptional job setting the historical stage for the story and capturing the intent surrounding our father's adventure. I learning a great deal about not just Standing Rock but the Hudson Valley from his opening.

We often heard of Vernon's preparations and travels out to Standing Rock. As he should have been, Vernon was very proud of his role in this trip and the response he received from his community of Saugerties, NY. I have read this story many times but must say that reading it again in published form captivated me in a way that it had not before. In this little book, I was able to more clearly understand the feeling that our father was experiencing by transporting himself into an unknown place with people unlike himself. As mentioned in the book, he rarely traveled so this was an adventure like none other for him. I know that it gave him great satisfaction and pleasure.

Will's closing is a special part of this short read. He did not have to mention Vernon's accomplishments and achievements, but he does. Will takes his personal relationship with Vernon and transforms it into the nicest of gestures. Thank you, Will, for giving our father and his beautiful story so much life. He would have been very proud!