Never forget that JUSTICE is what LOVE looks like in public…
– Dr. Cornel West, Howard University, April 2011
Related Pages:
Racial Justice Resources
Recommended links, documents and books
Racial Justice Forum
A 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge
Sacred Ground
Information for Sacred Ground antiracism course
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
After George Floyd was murdered by police officers on Memorial Day in 2020, cities and towns across the United States and throughout the world have been filled with protesters demanding justice for people of color and an end to 400 years of entrenched, systemic racism. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, violence against people of Asian and Pacific Island descent has risen exponentially. Racial tensions and social unrest have escalated, and many people are asking, What can we Do? How can I help? Where do I start? Step One is looking at and owning where we each fit in the narrative.
Racial Justice Forum
Dr. Eddie Moore Jr’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge is a great place to begin – or continue – deepening your understanding of racism, the lived experiences of people of color, and how each of us can contribute to an antiracist future. St. Columba’s ran a 21-day Racial Justice Forum using Dr. Moore’s curriculum; a video of the first session is available to view.
Watch:
- Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. A series of helpful and compassionate video conversations and interviews by Emmanuel Acho, covering many topics related to racial equity and antiracism.
-
Ibram X. Kendi on How to be an Antiracist (a talk given at UC Berkeley, Sept. 12, 2019). Video and transcript. From the webpage: “In his new book, How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi holds up both a magnifying glass and a mirror to examine how to uproot racism from society—starting with ourselves…”
Take Action:
The official Black Lives Matter website has suggestions for ways you can get involved, how to connect with others, petitions, events and more.
Voices to Heed:
The Real Rosa Parks Story is Better Than the Fairytale
By Jeanne Theoharis
The way we talk about her covers up uncomfortable truths about American racism.
Out There, Nobody Can Hear You Scream
An eye-opening piece on being Black in the outdoors. Latria Graham, Outside Magazine.
San Francisco Bay Area Religious Leaders Condemn the Killing of George Floyd and Structural Racism
From the San Francisco Interfaith Council (including the Episcopal Diocese of California)
Also check out Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s statement (Episcopal News Service).
“…do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God…”
More Ideas:
What Black Lives Matter Means (and Why It’s Problematic to Say “All Lives Matter”)
by Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping
Twitter: Makayla Butler@munchiesmak
6 Reasons ‘All Lives Matter’ Doesn’t Work. (Six metaphors that help deepen understanding)
By Maressa Brown, Parents.com
97 Things White People can do for Racial Justice
by Corinne Shutack,Medium.com. A few suggestions listed are:
Donate to anti-white supremacy work such as your local Black Lives Matter Chapter, the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Equal Justice Initiative, and Dream Defenders.
Support black businesses.
Find and join a local “white space” to learn more about and talk out the conscious and unconscious biases us white folks have.
Buy books, choose TV shows and movies, and opt for toys for your kids, nieces, nephews, etc that show people from different races, religions, countries and that teach real American history.
View the full list here.
Learn, Pray, Act: Church Resources for Addressing Racist Violence and Police Brutality
In this time of national upheaval, outrage, and fear, The Episcopal Church’s Department of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care and the Office of Government Relations have assembled resources to assist individuals, congregations and communities seeking to LEARN, PRAY and ACT. Please use and share these resources.
You can also read or watch Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Pentecost sermon here.