Kindred Tea Time: Listening & Learning from Black Voices
Who are some Black voices you are listening to and learning from? What is a next step that you're taking to learn and listen? |
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Listening & Learning: Netflix & Podcasts
Ava Duvernay’s “When They See Us” and “13th” (both on Netflix) have been watched in my home over the past three weeks. I’ve also really enjoyed, been reminded, and challenged by (in a good way) the Melanated Faith podcast.
Next Step: Anti-Racism Workshop
I am taking part in an anti-racism workshop with @revjacquilewis (Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis) this week. This was my first “next step” after several weeks of lots of listening, reading, and confession. I will continue to confess and lament over my role in systemic racism, but I also know that action is a must and cannot be put off any longer.
I’ve realized that I’ve stayed silent too long and I hope to begin to learn, from one minister to another, how we can respond boldly to the “call of this moment.”
Listening & Learning: Supporting Local Voices
Starting local by supporting Black voices in the Waco community like our friends Gary & Brittney Wardlaw. The Relationship Clinic @TRCwaco, which focuses on African-American healing through therapy is located here in Waco. I will be contributing to the Healing Fund, and getting a #iprayitalkiseeatherapist T-shirt!
Next Steps: Conversations & Teachable Moments
This watershed moment is prompting much-needed conversation and action in the US, but racism in varying degrees and forms is present globally as well. I am reflecting on and talking with friends about what racism also looks like in my country of origin and similarly what can be done to take a stand against it.
A next step I want to take starting at home is having conversations with and teaching my daughter how to be anti-racist in age-appropriate ways. And before I can teach my child, I need to do the learning, understand it myself, and lead by example.
Listening & Learning: Books & Artists
I was recently introduced to Latasha Morrison, founder of Be the Bridge, but I’m so grateful already for her wisdom and the resources she’s been sharing. I’ll be reading her book “Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation” as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
I've also been following Danielle Coke. Her art is so well-designed, engaging, and thoughtful. It’s really helpful to see her breaking complex thoughts into simpler graphics as a different engagement point to pull people in.
Next Step: Creating a Children's Literature Resources List
I’m really passionate about children’s literature, so one of my next steps is to be more thoughtful about curating diversity in my daughter’s library - books about diversity, books by black authors and books featuring black main characters.
I’ve compiled an ever-growing list that we’re sharing on our resource page.
Listening & Learning: Building Relationships & Listening to Firsthand Life Stories
@eve_notw, @lyonthepink, @magnificient_marie_17, @macattacks19, @campusministry_chowan, and so many other @chowanuniversity students.
Before joining Sacred Ordinary Days I worked at a small, Christian liberal arts university with a predominantly black, first-generation student body. Nothing has touched my heart or impacted my perspective more than getting to know them, listening to their stories, and having the honor of working on behalf of and alongside them.
Next Step: Resisting the Temptation to Settle for False Peace
As an introvert and peacemaker, I’m great at listening and learning but not so great at moving and acting. It feels especially uncomfortable to confess in this context, but naming that struggle and committing to stand up and speak out is the most honest and real next step I can think of.
I’m resisting the temptation to settle for false peace. I’m having hard conversations with family and friends. I’m learning what it means to be anti-racist rather than merely not racist.
