Do the Work by Labor Day
In support of our vision for ELPC to live into its designation of being a Matthew 25 Church, the Facing Systemic Racism team recognizes that we cannot achieve this vision absent all of us being better informed about issues related to race, and, specifically African Americans in the United States. There are many resources available, so we will suggest a few options each week. Whether you chose from this list or have other books, films, etc., on this topic, please consider making time for this important faith work this summer. The FSR team challenges us to as a congregation read, watch, or listen to 1,000 books, TV programs, Webinars, podcasts, or articles by Labor Day, September 7, 2020.
Watch:
13th – UPDATED: This film is available for free on YouTube through the month of June. A Netflix documentary by director Ava DuVernay that provides thought-provoking analysis of the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom from scholars, activists, and politicians. TRIGGER WARNING: content could be triggering for BIPOCs.
Read:
A Black Woman’s History of the United States – Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross share an engrossing and empowering history from the often-untold perspectives of the black women who shaped America. In centering black women’s stories, the award-winning historians seek both to empower African American women and to show their allies that black women’s unique ability to make their own communities, while combating centuries of oppression, is an essential component in our continued resistance to systemic racism and sexism.
Listen:
Seeing White – This series of podcasts from Scene on Radio explores questions about whiteness, where the concept of race comes from, and how it connects to police shootings, white supremacy, and racial inequities in schools, housing, criminal justice, and hiring. First produced in 2017, the content feels just as relevant today.
For Kids and Families:
BLM Reading Room – Fun, interactive webpage for families to explore music and videos of picture books that celebrate Blackness, educate about race and racism, and advocate for diverse books for kids. Click on everything in the room!
Charlotte and Randy Bush both watched “13th” on June 10th and Beth Bush listened to the audiobook recording of “White Fragility” on June 8.
Carol Mullen and Reed Williams both finished Ibram Kendi’s How To Be an Anti-Racist the week of June 14.
On June 20, Michele and Henk Bossers participated in Disparities in Health Care led by members of the FSR team.
On June 20, Michele and Henk Bossers participated in Disparities in Health Care webinar sponsored by the FSR team.
On June 12, Michel Bossers watched 13th.
Coleman Lane finished reading “The 1619 Project “ June 3 and Linda Lane is watching a Facebook Live conversation between a Black man and a White cop, on Jamil Frazier’s Facebook account June 22. Tape available and they plan to continue it.
On June 23, Michele Bossers listened to the podcast, Speaking of Racism:Historical Storytelling with Jermaine Fowler of The Humanity Archives
This movie was so powerful and educational. Thank you for the recommendation.
On June 24, Reed attended (online) Osher class lecture/discussion on DiAngelo’s book White Fragility.
On June 24, 2020 Jan Pressman watched Hello, Priveledge, It’s Me, Chelesa. She also participated on a Zoom class entitled Reflections on White Fragility: Why It’s Hard for White People to talk about Racism by Ralph Bangs, PhD.
On June 23, Beverly Harris-Schenz and Michael Schenz viewed “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” a performance of the Univ of Michigan Mens’ Glee Club.
On June 24, Beverly Harris-Schenz watched a video of Trevor Noah’s analysis of Rousseau’s “Social Contract” and how it applies to the life of Black Americans today.
On June 25, Beverly Harris-Schenz and Michael Schenz watched a performance of “The Talk” a one-man play written and performed by Sonny Kelley of the University of NC at Chapel Hill.
On June 26, Beverly Harris-Schenz and Michael Schenz viewed Phil Visher’s “Talk about Race”
On June 27, Beverly Harris-Schenz viewed a Dialogue between two theologians (one White, one Black) at Fuller Theological Seminary about “Being Black in America.”
On June 28, Beverly Harris-Schenz and Michael Schenz read the article ” A Black Female
Battalion that stood up to a White Male Army.”
On June 29, Beverly Harris-Schenz read “You want a Confederate Monument? My Body is a Confederate Monument.”
On June 30, Beverly and Michael Schenz watched the film “Race.”
I watched 13th July 5, 2020.
I am working my way through the Scene on Radio series, Seeing White. Have listened to 6 podcasts so far.