Over the past year we have had a lot of conversations about the work of anti-racism. I know we have said this before, but the truth that this work does not look like a straight line bears repeating. Even for myself, I need to re-read books and articles to gain an accurate understanding of the author’s perspective. I can have the same conversation multiple times before a conversation partner and I have reached a shared understanding. The number of new articles, documentaries and commentary on these issues of equity, language, history and community can be hard to keep track of.
So this summer we are experimenting with a new way of walking this winding road together through an online discussion platform. We are calling it our Anti-Racism Summer School.
We have access to a series of new training videos created for Presbyterian congregations to educate ourselves further on these topics from Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing and Training. Participants are able to watch these videos at their own pace throughout the summer. Topics include: What is systemic racism? What is white supremacy? What is anti-racism, and what does it require of Christians? Why must Christians denounce white supremacy and embrace a gospel vision for anti-racism? How can Christian educators cultivate values that challenge white supremacy? How to talk to children and youth about systemic racism?
In addition, our summer school will have a series of discussion boards, where people can engage with one another about these new videos AND share links to other helpful resources that they have used themselves.
One of my favorite parts of this past year’s classes and book discussion is the interaction outside of class: articles that are shared and discussed, movies that are recommended, and events that are planned. Being together this summer in this virtual way will make all of that sharing even more easy to access and engage with.
Register here for our Anti-Racism Summer School. Once you are registered, you will receive all the information you need to connect online.
If you have questions about how you can be a part of this work, please contact me directly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
