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30 Days of Anti-Racism It is hard to know all the details of an event when looking at it from a distance. It is difficult to pass judgement when lacking all the knowledge of the law. Yet, this case seemed relatively simple. Breanna Taylor and her boyfriend were home, asleep at midnight, when the police entered using a no-knock warrant. Thinking it was a robbery, the boyfriend fired a gun and the police returned fire, killing Breanna Taylor. Yesterday, one of the officers was held accountable. Not for the killing but for shooting into the surrounding apartments. We are not surprised that there is sadness and despair and a sense from many that a human life has been devalued. There are too many examples of how dangerous this world is right now. We have spent 24 days with a particular focus on learning how to not just sit back and not care, but to be actively anti-racist. We have been opening up to ways to be more aware of the power dynamics and privilege and biases that if left unconfronted will remain a sin that divides us. Empathy is a good place to start. Kentucky Country music singer Tyler Childers shared a heartfelt plea to those in his community. His message is helpful for all of us these days. Please watch. In what ways does this video put the suffering of those who are African American into perspective? How can you use your voice and power to make a difference? Peace, Dean
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30 Days of Anti-Racism The work for us today is to "encourage an activist." An activist is someone who actively works toward reform for positive change in society. I asked Aimee Terry if she would share with us Harper's life-changing experience. Let us encourage activists and learn from them. In June, Harper & I traveled to Minneapolis to visit my younger sister and her family. This was shortly after the killing of George Floyd & the riots. My sister was deeply heartbroken over the events that were taking place in her beloved city. However she was also uplifted by the acts of humanity that could be seen everywhere. For instance, people set up make-shift food pantries on the sides of streets immediately after stores & gas stations were destroyed. One day we were all out driving after having visited one of our favorite Minneapolis parks, Harper quietly asked if George Floyd had died near where we were. My brother-in-law started telling her that the neighborhood was not far. She asked if we could go there. The street was closed off so we had to park down a side street. Just Harper and I went. Honestly I've never seen or experienced anything like it. While walking, Harper & I held hands and I tried to explain what had happened here and answer her questions to the best of my ability. I found myself saying "Honey I don't know" repeatedly. Walking up to the street towards the memorial we were immediately approached by "workers" who asked if we needed masks or hand sanitizer. There was a table handing out food and diapers. There was music playing...joyful music. But the mood was incredibly somber. Harper and I just held tightly to one another and soaked it all in....and said a prayer. How can a mama possibly explain how something so senseless and tragic could happen? On the walk back to the car, we continued to hold hands and we talked about things that we can do, how our hearts can hurt but our hearts can also be happy because we know that George's death is causing people to TALK about racial issues. Lots of good discussions and changes will take place because of his death. Shortly after coming back home to Michigan, Harper asked us to order her a Black Lives Matter sign. Her tender heart was touched and she wanted to do something. She spent her own money to buy the sign that we proudly display on our front lawn....and this mama's heart is bursting with pride and HOPE! Aimee Terry 30 Days of Anti-Racism
Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, it is your civic duty to vote. Our democracy relies on the voice of the people. Today's task is to celebrate National Voter Registration Day by registering to vote and helping another person to register. I have found the information on the Michigan Secretary of State website to be very helpful. You can check to see if you are registered, get information on your polling place, request an absentee ballot, and get all the information you need to make voting safe and meaningful. Check it out, and share it with others. https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/ Peace, Dean 30 Days of Anti-Racism Today we are to engage with and invest in young leaders who are dedicated to anti-racism work. Each generation has new insights and experiences that inform their world view. Many young people of today have much to teach us all about working together to end racism. Look at those participating in the peaceful protests that continue to gather. Many who are present have a vision for the world they would like to grow up in and pass onto their children and grandchildren. We would all be wise to engage in the conversation they are leading. Here is a United Methodist Emerging Leaders Town Hall that focuses on dismantling racism. Perhaps this is a good place to start today. Who are the young people in your life? Ask them their feelings about racism and what kind a world they wish to live in. Can they teach you ways to be actively anti-racist? Peace, Dean 30 Days of Anti-Racism
Today's task is to recognize racism within your community. I am thankful that our 30 Days of Anti-Racism focus is intersecting with books you are reading, shows you are watching, articles you are clipping, conversations you are having, and studies you are taking. Once we get past our fears and defensiveness, God can help us develop in ways Jesus taught us. We can live into the community of faith that can transform the world. Here is an online test out of Harvard you can take that measures implicit bias. I appreciate the warnings they give multiple times. "If you are unprepared to encounter interpretations that you might find objectionable, please do not proceed further." Thinking about racism in our community, culture, and lives can feel threatening. Breathe. Trust that God is helping us. Receive forgiveness and grace. Take this time for honest conversation. Know that you are loved. Peace, Dean 30 Days of Anti-Racism Today's challenge is to engage in community organizing. "Your voice is needed to improve public education, health care, public safety for all people, elder care, criminal justice reform, etc. Put your faith into action in your community with acts of justice, not just acts of charity." The United Methodist Church has been engaged in community organizing from its very beginnings. In the name of Christ, The United Methodist Church has sought to work for change in the world. We have lost our way from time to time, but have undeniably made an impact on behalf of the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable. We are a community organizing Church. Take a look at this fun claymation video that tells the history of the ways the church has engaged in social action. There is lots of work yet to do! I am thankful that doing this work is part of our faith DNA. Peace, Dean 30 Days of Anti-Racism The United Methodist Church has a lot of acronyms. The attached document from GCFA (General Council on Finance and Administration) names 35 of them! GCORR stands for the General Council on Religion and Race. It is one of 13 General Councils and Agencies supported by our Ministry Shares that serve The United Methodist Church around the world. I'll list the full 13 below. The role of GCORR is to "work for the full and equal participation of racial and ethnic constituencies in the church through advocacy and by reviewing and monitoring the practices of the denomination." The GCORR keeps us ever-focused on race, inclusion, and equality and is a valuable source for us to turn to in order to work toward being anti-racist. The challenge for today is to "commit to continued learning in celebration of National Online Learning Day." Of course, GCORR has resources. Here are three online courses that are available for anyone who wishes to learn and grow. If you choose to take one or more of these courses, consider sharing with the church your experience. TY! Peace, Dean The 13 General Boards and Agencies of The United Methodist Church:
30 Days of Anti-Racism
I hope you spend these 30 days in thought and prayer around issues of race and the work it takes each day to commit to anti-racism. And I hope that God will put in your path blessings and surprises. I imagine you are gathering the tools needed to live boldly and act courageously. The 30 Days of Anti-Racism invites us today to "plan to participate in an anti-racism demonstration." I wonder how that will look for you. I have been struggling between peaceful protest and destructive violence. There is a great power and energy when people come together to advocate change. No one likes to see people or property hurt or damaged. Could the violence erupt from years of abuse and pent-up anger and frustration? I imagine it's not out of the realm of possibility that people who have been hurt might turn to violence. Or, could there be a small number of people inciting violence? We know that fear and destruction are often lead stories on the nightly news. Could these few people who choose to riot overwhelm the real story of vast numbers of people seeking justice in peaceful ways? I suppose that is a possibility. It's also not beyond the imagination that there are some who are setting fires so that the blame is placed on others, thus turning hearts and minds away from the true purpose of the movement to end racism. All this to say, being invited to participate in an anti-racism demonstration is powerful and complicated. This is where we could work together. The youth are considering ways they could stand at the corner of 32nd and Michael with signs that advocate for peace and justice. Consider joining them. See the determination on their faces. Listen to the passion in their voices. When we stand together, it makes it easier to say what needs to be said. When we stand together we can all be more courageous to do the things Christ asks us to do. What would you write on your sign if you were to demonstrate against racism? What did MLK and others learn from Jesus when committing to non-violent protest, and was that easy or difficult? Peace, Dean |
REv. Dean N. PrentissI am blessed to be the Pastor at Wesley Park UMC. Find Daily Lectionary Readings Here. Archives
September 2020
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