Countering Racism: A List of Loving Action
In so many ways and in so many places, conversations on racism are happening across our country - this is good. Participate in as many of them as you are able. In July, the Retreat House “ Conversation on Racism,” you’re invited to take action to address the brokenness found in racism - perhaps there are cracks in your views and understandings? Maybe you’re being called to serve in a new way? Does part of your inner world need attention and care so you might better love yourself, others, the world?
Reflect on how the Holy is leading you.
Consider the following tools, recommendations and resources to facilitate thought, conversation and potentially steps that would contribute to the healing of self and community:
Host your own “Conversation on Racism,” or discussion group. Create a space where there is a willingness to listen and discuss various points of view. Learn to disagree politely, if required. Show appreciation for insightful and good points made by others. Ask someone to take notes to record takeaways, action items and prayers that emerge during the time together. Utilize the Circle Way discussion model allowing room for all voices to be heard and valued. Start and end with prayer.
The following is a list of both topics and resources to facilitate dialogue during your discussion:
Six steps white people can take to dismantle white supremacy. Sit with this list., asking “what is mine to do during this time?
“Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Where do you see you in this letter?
Books that encourage new thinking and ideas:
“So You Want to Talk About Race?” By Ijeoma Oluo
“Good White Racist” by Kerry Connelly
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad White
White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo
“How to Be Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
“Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People” by Mahzarin Banaji
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
13th/Ava Duvernay/2016 – a Netflix documentary exposing racial inequality within the criminal justice system
Selma - a film that chronicles the marches of the Civil Rights Movement
When They See Us – a Netflix documentary about five boys of color who were arrested for a crime they didn’t commit
American Son – a Netflix Movie about a mother of color whose son was shot and killed by police
The Hate U Give – a movie shown on HBO highlighting the tension of living between two worlds
Do the Right Thing – 1989 Spike Lee film that still relevantly depicts race in America
Here is another good list by blogger No Film School of 30 films to watch on race in America.
Podcasts:
Seeing White by Scene On Radio – a podcast series from the New York Times on the long shadow of American slavery and being Black in America
Brené Brown with Ibram X. Kendi - podcast on how to be an anti-racist
1619 - an audio series from The Times observing the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery.
YouTube:
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man – Emmanuel Acho sits down to have an “uncomfortable conversation” with white America, in order to educate and inform on racism, system racism, social injustice, and the hurt African Americans are feeling today.
Listen to people closest to you. Also, listen to people of other races. Whether its your work colleagues, teammates, your children or extended family, one way to change hearts and minds is to listen. When we stop talking and start listening, we validate feelings and emotions. Notice what you hear. Keep notes - consider writing your own prayer of lament to God.
Breathe. Welcome. Transform. Try breathing techniques that decrease the fight or flight response in the body. Once grounded in your breath, practice welcoming and noticing uncomfortable emotions while holding them with compassion. Join Rev. Deanna Hollas every Monday at 1 p.m. for Breath. Welcome. Transform. as she facilitates breath prayer and discussion. Register here.
Practice Tonglen. Also known as “taking and sending,” Tonglen reverses our usual logic of avoiding suffering and seeking pleasure. In tonglen practice, we visualize taking in the pain of others with every in-breath and sending out whatever will benefit them on the out-breath. In the process, we become liberated from age- old patterns of selfishness. We begin to feel love for both ourselves and others; we begin to take care of ourselves and others.
Join Retreat House for our next Conversation on Racism August 3 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. led by Rev. Dr. Clay Brantley, participants will gather (virtually) to share what emerged from their loving action in July. Register here.
Here is an additional listing of resources to aid in you in this journey:
“Racism looks like a huge boulder that must be moved,” says Kymberlaine Banks, Retreat House partner. “Do not try to pick up the boulder. Choose instead each day to pick up a pebble or a rock that you can move, then tomorrow choose another pebble or rock.”
What are the pebbles or rocks you can pick up in July to dismantle the wall of racism?