Throughout February, our synod's Racial Justice Team will share weekly resources and practical ways to engage in justice ministry, both in your congregation and daily life.

Week 2: By Pastor Jennifer Hall

Racial Justice Work

Where does one begin?  That’s a great question!  If you are asking, then you are already on the right track.  When I first came to the realization that I needed to learn and understand more about my whiteness and the experience of black and brown people, I started with John Lewis’ Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change and Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy  and Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give.  These books showed me a truth I hadn’t realized before and pushed me to keep reading, learning, and listening even more.  I went on to read books by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me), Austin Channing Brown (I’m Still Here:  Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness), and more.  Then someone introduced me to the podcast: Code Switch.

All of this was good but something was missing.  I began working with the NEPA Racial Justice Team.  My reading list expanded, yes, but reading lists only take us so far.  It’s in talking with others that we began to understand the broader history of racism and the context of our actions.   There needs to be action; we have to have conversation as well.  In my last call there was a group of people that came together to talk about what was happening in the world, to read together, to wonder out loud and through prayer, to say what we believe and be respected across the range of opinions.  All grounded in love.  It was another start, another avenue, another push to action in a world of whiteness through which I learned a great deal and the Spirit prompted action within my soul.

This February, Black History Month, might be a good time for you to learn something new as well.  Maybe pick up a book, listen to a podcast, watch a racially charged movie. Sign up for 28 Days of Black History daily newsletter and learn about an untold or underappreciated inspiring black figure, discussion questions, and action steps.  Or better yet, start a conversation with a group of friends at church or beyond.  Host an event.  Watch Selma together and have a discussion.  Start a book club about one of the books mentioned above or one that you know about.  There are guides for this type of work all over the internet, but we can help you find the best one.

The Racial Justice Team has worked over the years to put together a very large list of resources. If you’d like more information on books, podcasts, young adult literature, children’s resources/books, videos, articles and movies that might assist you in your learning and teaching, please reach out to me, Pastor Jennifer Hall, or someone from our team.  We can help you, your family, and your congregation find something that works for you!