Antiracism Ministry during COVID-19
A message from Antiracism Ministry leader Grant Griffin:
On March 22, 2020, the St. Luke’s Antiracism Ministry gathered via Zoom to discuss Chapter 6 of “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo and check in on our health and well being as a result of COVID-19 and the Illinois shelter-in-place order, including the racially harmful ways in which the coronavirus has been referenced:
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/03/trump-calling-coronavirus-chinese-virus.html
In Chapter 6 of "White Fragility", entitled "Anti-Blackness", Robin DiAngelo describes the assortment of feelings that blacks stir in whites as a result of misinformation and white racial socialization. In one example, the author reminds us that affirmative action programs were actually intended to be a flexible means of providing qualified minority applicants with the same government employment opportunities as whites, but program requirements have rarely been enforced, racial outcomes have not changed, and misinformation regarding the ways in which such programs operate has provoked white resentment. At the same time, whites feel benevolence, superiority, and guilt about past and current institutional wrongs committed against blacks.
The Antiracism Ministry will meet more frequently for at least the foreseeable future. Accordingly, on April 5th at 12:15 p.m., we plan to discuss Chapter 7, which is entitled “Racial Triggers for White People”. Below are questions from Chapter 7 for consideration as you read:
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How does the author challenge the idea that our intentions are “what count”?
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What strategies do you have to remain engaged when racial stress is triggered?
Of note, although we postponed our ongoing analysis of the current welcome statement included in the weekly St. Luke’s worship program, we will afford time on April 5th to discuss any revisions or comments that folks have an opportunity to provide in Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/document/d/16ZFYAizFTfzpKCtebfQdr4TiCuKeQzVmtrdLeEoXuFo/edit?usp=sharing).
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT MEETING | Sunday, April 5th at 12:15 p.m. | Zoom call
Tentative Agenda for April 5th:Opening Prayer: (Pastor Erin)Welcome: Name, Pronouns, and Check In (Ivan)Review of Welcome Statement, as Appropriate (Ivan)“White Fragility” Discussion: Chapter 7 (Grant)Action Items (Grant)Closing Prayer (Pastor Erin)