June 2, 2020
Pastor Matt’s sermon was certainly a powerful one last Sunday, and it all needed to be said. The Racial Healing Team at St. Mark’s is providing a follow up for those who were so moved, but do not know where to start. Do you want to see a change? Are you brand new to learning about racism? Maybe you have been trying to educate yourself about racial inequities, but you do not understand the campaign: Black Lives Matter. Or you do not understand white privilege. Or maybe you are so involved in this movement that you are ready to hold people in office accountable for local policies. On whichever level you find yourself to be, we have something for you to do to promote positive changes in this world. EDUCATE yourself and others to understand. Use your VOICE. Get INVOLVED.
Beginner:
• READ! Here are some recommendations: Good Books Reading list I
• Read to the children in your life
• Watch a movie: Movies you need to see Movie Recommendations
• Intimidated by jumping right into a racial healing class? Join the Facebook pages: Coming To The Table and Be the Bridge. There is a lot to learn.
• Read the local paper The Urban News
• VOTE!
Intermediate:
• READ! Here are some recommendations: More Good Books Reading List II
• Book clubs! The CUC (Christians for a United Community) does a great job under the leadership of Tyrone Greenlee. The Racial Healing Team will also lead a book study in the near future.
• Join a class at the YWCA’s Racial Justice Coalition YWCA Info
• Intentionally work on your SELF (what stereotypes do I hold? What racist jokes/comments do I just let go without saying something? Start being aware)
• VOTE!
Serious Action Takers:
• READ! Here are some recommendations: Challenging Books Reading List III
• Write and/or call your local community leaders from this list Community Leaders
o Do officers wear body cameras and is the footage accessible to the public?
o Do officers participate in de-escalation training?
o How effective are they in implementing it?
o Is their effectiveness addressed as part of their performance reviews?
• Follow local black initiatives and follow their lead (i.e. AVL Black Lives Matter)
• Sign petitions here
• VOTE!
This is not an exhaustive list; it is a start. And we believe all these items can be done in a world of social distancing.
The Racial Healing Team is working closely with our WNC Baptist family to show our support and we are listening to them for additional steps we can take together. We do not condone the violence that is happening, but we do support voices being heard in peaceful protests.
The Racial Healing Team would like to keep you updated on the additional steps we are taking and plans we are making. If you would like to be included in this communication, please click here to join the email mailing list.
This is the time to end your silence. This is the time to be vocal and open about your support.
St. Mark’s, this is the time to BE the church.
God’s peace be with you ~ St. Mark’s Racial Healing Team
