Interfaith Racial Justice Resources

Thank you, Sophia Mesber for sharing this new link!

https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/support-black-owned-businesses/

How do you create a new habit?  They say it takes 21-days of practice to create a new habit, so some anti-racism trainers have created their own versions of a 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge.

We encourage you to choose one of these, or one of the others you may find online to help give yourself some structure as you use the next three weeks to do some of your own study and work on recognizing your own participation in the systems and institutions that have been created with racist policies.

What do you hope to get out of these 21 days?  You can start journaling about it, or use one of the tracking pages that are easily downloadable on the sites.  Consider other things you can do to process what you are learning, including art, sculpture, or journaling with either a pen and paper or with a set of video recordings to your future self.

Some may also want to include a book group to process some of the longer readings, and so we have established a closed, private group on Facebook where participants can do so.  Go to this ICCCC Racial Justice Discussion Group link to request to join.  Please expect to follow the rules there to participate.

ICCCC Racial Justice Discussion Group is related to the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County’s facebook page.  This group is for members of the Interfaith community who are doing a 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, going through an anti-racism book together and wish to process what they are learning, and those who are doing their own, personal anti-racism work to expose their own complicity with systemic racism, and learning how to help dismantle institutionalized racism in the policies of our criminal justice, housing, employment, lending, health care, police brutality, money bail and legal systems.

 

Three 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge links to choose from: 


America & Moore: Diversity Education, Research & Consulting (three slightly different 21-day plans to choose from)

https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge

 

Debby Irving:  Racial Justice Educator and Writer.  21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge©

https://debbyirving.com/21-day-challenge/

 

Michigan League for Public Policy (includes information on Midwest First Nations intersectionalities)

https://mlpp.org/21-day-racial-equity-challenge/#1563823093248-b9ca8739-38fb

 

Some denominations have created their own version of the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, include the Presbyterians and Catholics at St. Bonaventure’s that include sources particular to their tradition. 

After the 21 days, we will be hosting an online program called Cultural Mindfulness:  An Interfaith Gathering to Explore Racial Justice, Cultural Competency, and Continue Our Work, below.  We hope to find funding to help us present more great anti-racism teachers online.  You are free to use any or all of these programs in your congregations as educational tools or conversational starters.  

• Learning About Juneteenth – ICCCC Online event June 18, 2020

• The link to the Cultural Mindfulness recording of the event.

• What Does It Take to Take On the System with Rev. Sandhya Jha – Anti-Racism Series

• Easing Suffering with Self Compassion with Lev White

 

•  Implicit Bias Training.  Jan. 31st at 2:30 pm with Fresh “Lev” White.  Open to all.

Anti-Racism Series: Implicit Bias Training

• A Panel Conversation on Racial Trauma – Wednesday, March 24th at 7:00 pm.

  • Corrina Gould – Sogorea Te’ Land Trust, Educator

  • Rev. Sandhya Jha – Oakland Peace Center, Anti-Racism Trainer

  • Fresh “Lev” White – Affirmative Acts Consulting, Minister of Love

 

• Temple Isaiah is inviting their membership to participate in this online training –

https://www.attunedliving.com/beyond-the-book-group?fbclid=IwAR0du_H9m3pgdYBWdxjlS0fYQmKs7myT3AP3x7C_KoU6aO03OY20HyeP8RI

You can also join Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Contra Costa County, which offers ongoing trainings primarily for white people:  https://www.facebook.com/SURJCCC

Local group calling for defunding, not unfunding, the police:  https://defundconcordpd.org

Pandemics: A history of discrimination

Written by Shailesh Sharma

https://healthmatch.io/blog/pandemics-a-history-of-discrimination

 

Books to read:

Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America by Michael Eric Dyson

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby

Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee

Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad

I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown

Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad.  Book Study Series, designed to support our white and white identified Centers for Spiritual Living Member Communities can be found online.

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism by Robin DiAngelo (reading guides available in the UU Section and group guide Here)  https://robindiangelo.com

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi

The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism by Edward E. Baptist

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson

Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer L. Eberhardt

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein

So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo

The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter

The Little Book of Racial Healing: Coming to the Table for Truth-Telling, Liberation & Transformation by Thomas Norman DeWolf and Jodie Geddes

Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identity by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi

Blood at the Root: A Racial Cleansing in America by Patrick Phillips

Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race by Derald Wing Sue

Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald

Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice by Paul Kivel

FATAL INVENTION: How Science, Politics, and Big Business Re-create Race in the Twenty-First Century by Dorothy Roberts

Locking Up Our Own by James Forman

The Possessive Investment in Whiteness: How White People Profit from Identity Politics by George Lipsitz

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

How the Irish Became White by Noel Ignatiev

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Black Theology & Black Power, God of the Oppressed, A Black Theology of Liberation or The Cross and the Lynching Tree by the Rev. Dr. James Cone

Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky

Dirty Hands: Christian Ethics in a Morally Ambiguous World by Garth Baker-Fletcher

God of the Rahtid by Robert Beckford

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Manchild in a Promised Land by Claude Brown

Katie’s Canon: Womanism and the Soul of the of the Black Community by Katie Cannon

Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Davis

The Souls of Black Folk  by W.E.B Dubois

Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster by Michael Eric Dyson

The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson

Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community by Leah Gunning Francis

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

Hope and History: Why We Must Share the Story of the Movement by Vincent Harding

The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How they have been Corrupted by Obery Hendricks

Blessed are the Peacemakers: A Theological Analysis of the Thought of Howard Thurman and Martin Luther King, Jr. by C. Anthony Hunt

Stones of Hope: Essays, Sermons and Prayers on religion and Race, vol. 3 by C. Anthony Hunt

My Hope is Built: Essays, Sermons and Prayers on Religion and Race, vol.2  by C. Anthony Hunt

And Yet the Melody Lingers: Essays, Sermons and Prayers on Religion and Race by C. Anthony Hunt

Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing by Dennis Jacobson

Race, Religion and Resilience in the Neoliberal Age by Cedric Johnson

Is God a White Racist? by William R. Jones

Justice in an Unjust World by Karen Lebacqz

Racism and the Christian Understanding of Man by George Kelsey

Strength to Love by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Suffering and Faith” in The Christian Century (April 1960) by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Why We Can’t Wait by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Where do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcom X

Where have all the Prophets Gone?: Redeeming Prophetic Preaching in America by Marvin McMickle

Pulpit and Politics: Separation of Church and State in the Black Church by Marvin McMickle

Jesus Weeps: Global Encounters on Our Doorstep by Harold Recinos

The Search for Beloved Community by Kenneth Smith and Ira Zepp, Jr.

A Troubling in My Soul: Womanist Perspectives on Evil and Suffering  by Emilie Townes

Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman

The Luminous Darkness: A Personal Interpretation of the Anatomy of Segregation and the Ground of Hope by Howard Thurman

America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis

Prophecy Deliverance by Cornel West

Race Matters by Cornel West

Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance by Reggie Williams

No Difference in the Fare: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Problem of Racism by Josiah U. Young

Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and threatens Democracy.  By Cathy O’Neil  http://governance40.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Weapons-of-Math-Destruction-Cathy-ONeil.pdf

Automating Inequality:  How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor by Virginia Eubanks

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism:  The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff

Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble.

Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code by Ruha Benjamin

Trouble the Water: A Christian Resource for the Work of Racial Justice by Michael-Ray Mathews, Marie Onwubuariri, and Cody Sanders, editors

 Chaos or Community by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem

Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism by Drew G. I. Hart

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome written by Dr. Joy DeGruy
An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley

An Antiracist Reading List

Your Anti-Racism Education Begins – Old Growth Alchemy

 

Books and Articles on the Intersections of Christian Nationalism

White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity  by Robert P. Jones

The End of White Christian America by Robert P. Jones

Did America Have a Christian Founding by Mark David Hall

Blood & Faith:  Christianity in American White Nationalism by Damon T. Berry

Republican Theology:  The Civil Religion of American Evangelicals by Benjamin T. Lynerd

Kingdom Coming:  The Rise of Christian Nationalism by Michelle Goldberg

The Neo-Catholics:  Implementing Christian Nationalism in America by Betty Clermont

Taking America Back for God:  Christian Nationalism in the United States by Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry

Inventing a Christian America: They Myth of the Religious Founding by Steven K Green

The Founding Myth:  Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American by Andrew L. Seidel

The Myth of a Christian Nation:  How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church by Gregory A. Boyd

The Power Worshippers:  Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism by Katherine Stewart

American Fascists:  The Christian Right and the War on America by Chris Hedges

Revolution of Values:  Reclaiming Public Faith for the Common Good by Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove

The Armageddon Factor: The Rise of Christian Nationalism in Canada by Marci McDonald

An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Curriculum:

Responding to Christian Nationalism Curriculum from Christians Against Christian Nationalism.  Download here: https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/discussion-guides/responding-to-christian-nationalism-curriculum

Video:

ICCCC Introduction to Christian Nationalism:

Articles:

American Christianity’s White-Supremacy Problem:  History, theology, and culture all contribute to the racist attitudes embedded in the white church. https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/american-christianitys-white-supremacy-problem

Fostering Christians who oppose Christian nationalism. https://religionnews.com/2021/07/13/fostering-christians-who-oppose-christian-nationalism/

A new resource for combating Christian nationalism sees it as a ‘distortion of the gospel’.  https://religionnews.com/2021/07/12/a-new-resource-for-combatting-christian-nationalism-sees-it-as-a-distortion-of-the-gospel/

Faith Leaders Speak Out Against Christian Nationalism. https://www.npr.org/2021/07/04/1013044426/faith-leaders-speak-out-against-christian-nationalism

Christian Nationalism Is Worse Than You Think:  Millions of Americans believe in this political ideology. What church leaders need to know—and how they can help those under its influence.  https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/quick-to-listen/christian-nationalism-capitol-riots-trump-podcast.html

The Growing Anti-Democratic Threat of Christian Nationalism in the U.S.   https://time.com/6052051/anti-democratic-threat-christian-nationalism/

Interdenominational panel warns of extreme danger of Christian nationalism https://baptistnews.com/article/interdenominational-panel-warns-of-extreme-danger-of-christian-nationalism/#.YO8hei1h2EF

Fostering Christians who oppose Christian nationalism. https://religionnews.com/2021/07/13/fostering-christians-who-oppose-christian-nationalism/

The Lost Art of Respect, a special project of the Christian Science Monitor, June 14, 2021 edition, pages 24-43. https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Topics/The-Respect-Project-Bridging-the-conflicts-that-divide-us

Is Politics the New Religion? by Linda Feldmann.  Christian Science Monitor, June 21, 2021 edition, pages 22-28. https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2021/0512/Is-politics-the-new-religion.

Let’s celebrate this Fourth of July without the myth of white Christian innocence. https://religionnews.com/2021/07/02/lets-celebrate-this-fourth-of-july-without-the-myth-of-white-christian-innocence/

Christians Against Christian Nationalism:  https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org

Articles/Statements to read:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.”   John Lewis
    John Lewis, the civil rights leader who died on July 17, wrote this essay shortly before his death, to be published in the New York Times upon the day of his funeral:  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opinion/john-lewis-civil-rights-america.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • This short article highlights Voter Suppression.  Over the last decade states have enacted voter restrictions that disproportionately disenfranchise racial minorities and distort our democracy.  “Civil rights activist Rev. William Barber II has said, ‘Jim Crow did not retire: he went to law school and launched a second career. Meet James Crow, Esquire.’”  https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/new-voter-suppression

 

 

 

 

 

Movies & Documentaries to watch to learn about Racism:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Just Mercy. 2019 film about a young Afro-American lawyer taking the case of Walter McMillian an Afro-American death row inmate wrongly imprisoned for the murder of a young white girl. Offered free in June on many streaming channels.  Watch for free.  https://www.justmercyfilm.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listening to Podcasts: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sermons to hear:

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III’s Trinity UCC Chicago: 

 

 

89 RACIAL EQUITY RESOURCES FOR HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITIES:

89 Racial Equity Resources for Healthcare, Education, and Communities

“Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others”

published by Pepperdine University’s online Master of Psychology program. The purpose of this resource is to educate readers on the prevalence of prejudice and implicit bias in society, including information about what marginalized groups are most likely to be harmed by prejudice. The resource features information about how one can be an ally and an advocate for change, as well as how people experiencing discrimination can build resilience against these types of behaviors.

Below is the URL to the resource:
https://onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu/blog/prejudice-discrimination-coping-skills/

How to Be Anti-Racist: A Social Worker’s Perspective

https://msw.usc.edu/mswusc-blog/how-to-be-antiracist/

“Mental Health Resources for Young People of Color”

includes organizations, digital resources and videos, support groups, and therapy directories to help support the mental health of young people of color. This resource also provides a list of instagram accounts of mental health educators, therapists of color, and community support pages. You can find the full resource here: https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/blog/mental-health-resources-students-of-color/

Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Students of Color

For students of color, mental health care can sometimes feel inaccessible or irrelevant, and recent research has found major disparities in mental health treatment for students across races and ethnic backgrounds. And with many colleges and universities moving counseling services to virtual environments during the pandemic, you may have found yourself lacking adequate care during this stressful time, which has been exacerbated by the constant coverage of racial injustice on the news and social media.

Not only do people of color — including Black, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander and Latinx students — face additional challenges in receiving mental health care, from financial concerns to social stigma, but you also may have a hard time finding culturally competent providers that meet your specific needs, which is a legitimate concern. But taking care of your mental health is important, and putting off treatment can negatively impact your success in school.

Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Students of Color

How to Support Black-Owned Businesses in the Solar Industry

How to Support Black-Owned Businesses in the Solar Industry

Children & Safety

Children are more susceptible to the pressures of life than we think. All of the events that made 2020 a stressful year for adults were the same events that made kids feel less safe. And the proximity to the events only strengthens the impact.

Our team at Safety.com recently conducted a survey and found that “More than three-fourths of parents claim at least one event in the past year has impacted their child(ren)’s sense of safety.”

With these findings in mind, we have created a resource for parents that could help them navigate the difficult conversations about disturbing events in the news.

The step-by-step guide includes the following:

  • Starter questions parents can ask to get the conversation started
  • How to navigate the exposure to media
  • 4 questions parents can ask to manage misinformation online
  • A list of additional reputable resource

You can view our guide here:

https://www.safety.com/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-news-and-protect-their-sense-of-safety/

Financial Literacy

Closing the racial wealth gap in America isn’t a simple fix, but many experts say education and financial literacy can help. To shed light on the topic, we’ve created an in-depth article discussing:
– The impact that this knowledge gap has on the African American community
– Socioeconomic and cultural barriers
– The role of Black financial advisors

https://www.annuity.org/financial-literacy/black-community/

Resources from Showing Up For Racial Justice:

Courageous Conversations and Repairing Harm SURJ Meeting Resources for 3-20-21

Dr. Ken Hardy; Preparing for and Practicing Racial Justice and Healing (1/21/21; Convenings for Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice; Sponsored by Ryse Center) https://drive.google.com/file/d/14axQtWpZ9_W4hVbVk-u8rBwSynC66Nir/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Ken Hardy; How to Effectively Talk About Race Poster

http://traumatransformed.org/wp-content/uploads/Effectively-Talk-About-Race-Dr.-Ken-Hardy-11×17.pdf

Ijeomo Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race, NY Times best seller book.  

51-minute YouTube presentation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnybJZRWipg

National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian

https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist

University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Many examples of microaggressions

https://unl.libguides.com/c.php?g=598072&p=4276883

Courageous Conversations Tool Kit.  Microaggressions, privilege, bystander interventions, implicit bias

http://www.polkdecat.com/Toolkit%20for%20Courageous%20Conversations.pdf

Brene Brown – Shame and Accountability

https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-shame-and-accountability/

Group facilitation guide for conversations on race or other issues where there are potential wide differences of opinion.

https://www.justice.gov/archive/crs/pubs/dialogueguide.pdf

NY Times ideas for teachers

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/learning/lesson-plans/first-encounters-with-race-and-racism-teaching-ideas-for-classroom-conversations.amp.html

Racial Equity Tool.  Research, Tips, Curricula

https://www.racialequitytools.org/

Can Deep Listening Heal Our Divisions?  For bridge-builders in the U.S., the way forward is to engage deeply across lines of difference.  By SIMON GREER | January 19, 2021  GREATERGOOD.BERKELEY.EDU http://greatergood.berkeley.edu

Resources by Tradition:

Anglican

Archbishop of Canterbury says portrayal of Jesus as White should be reconsidered:  https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/27/uk/justin-welby-jesus-scli-intl-gbr/index.html

 

Bahá’i Faith

Dear friends,

We are having another race unity gathering on Thursdays until July 30th at 7 pm on Zoom. We hope to continue the conversation on this “most vital and challenging issue facing America.”   Please feel free to invite others and share this info.  See updates below.

We will read Bahá’í writings and quotes, present current events regarding the issue of race and consult on ways to eliminate our own prejudices and implicit biases as well as eradicate the illness of race related problems and systemic injustices in this country — continuing our two-fold moral purpose.

We will once again have two beautiful souls as facilitators: Bahia Reneau and Teryl McAlaster who will guide discussions and bring relevant study to the meetings. This can be an emotionally difficult and spiritually trying subject to discuss, so we are hoping to create a space for respectful and consultative discourse.

From the letter we studied, “The tensions, divisions, and injustices that currently beset America are symptoms of a longstanding illness. The nation is afflicted with a deep spiritual disorder, manifest in rampant materialism, widespread moral decay, and a deeply ingrained racial prejudice. As a result, millions of our fellow Americans, subject to systemic injustices in many facets of life, are prevented from making their full contributions to society and of partaking fully in its benefits. No one is immune to this disorder―we are all members of this society and to some degree suffer the effects of its maladies. That we live in a critical time can be seen in the way essential questions of identity, social vision, and global relations are being raised to a degree not seen in decades. Increasing numbers of our fellow-citizens are actively in search of solutions both moral and practical to answer them.”

Updates!

  1. The Contra Costa Bahá’ís have a NEW website for Virtual prayer gatherings hosted by Baha’i families which are open to every resident of the county.
    https://praytogetherccc.org/
  2. Also, I have attached the recent message from the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly to all the people of America on the current conditions in America regarding racial prejudice – which is the “most vital and challenging issue.” This letter was written Juneteenth and is quite beautiful and uplifting.
  3. I have added our race unity gatherings to the ICCC calendar of events which we have been sponsoring for 2 years and Dolores White and Bahia Reneau were moderating before quarantine – but since going virtual this year, Bahia and another beautiful Black American young lady, Teryl McAlster are facilitating it. I really feel it is important to see black (and brown) women leading groups like this. It is now on Zoom and the following is the email I send out:”We will read Bahá’í writings and quotes, present current events regarding the issue of race and consult on ways to eliminate our own prejudices and implicit biases as well as eradicate the illness of race related problems and systemic injustices in this country — continuing our two-fold moral purpose.We will once again have two beautiful souls as facilitators: Bahia Reneau and Teryl McAlaster who will guide discussions and bring relevant study to the meetings. This can be an emotionally difficult and spiritually trying subject to discuss, so we are hoping to create a space for respectful and consultative discourse.From the letter we studied, “The tensions, divisions, and injustices that currently beset America are symptoms of a longstanding illness. The nation is afflicted with a deep spiritual disorder, manifest in rampant materialism, widespread moral decay, and a deeply ingrained racial prejudice. As a result, millions of our fellow Americans, subject to systemic injustices in many facets of life, are prevented from making their full contributions to society and of partaking fully in its benefits. No one is immune to this disorder―we are all members of this society and to some degree suffer the effects of its maladies. That we live in a critical time can be seen in the way essential questions of identity, social vision, and global relations are being raised to a degree not seen in decades. Increasing numbers of our fellow-citizens are actively in search of solutions both moral and practical to answer them.”Tina Edraki is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
    Topic: Race unity gatheringsTime: July 2, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and CanadaEvery week on Thu, 7 occurrence(s)
    Jul 2, 2020 07:00 PM
    Jul 9, 2020 07:00 PM
    Jul 16, 2020 07:00 PM
    Jul 23, 2020 07:00 PM
    Jul 30, 2020 07:00 pmJoin Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81792352190Meeting ID: 817 9235 2190
    One tap mobile
    +16699006833,,81792352190# US (San Jose)Siincerely
    Tina Edraki
    925-786-9134

Sincerely,

Tina Edraki   –   925-786-9134

“Let each one of God’s loved ones centre his attention on this: to be the Lord’s mercy to man; to be the Lord’s grace. Let him do some good to every person whose path he crosseth, and be of some benefit to him. Let him improve the character of each and all, and reorient the minds of men. In this way, the light of divine guidance will shine forth, and the blessings of God will cradle all mankind: for love is light, no matter in what abode it dwelleth; and hate is darkness, no matter where it may make its nest. O friends of God! Strive ye to banish that darkness for ever and ever.”

– Bahá’í Writings

20200619 NSA Statement to the American People on the Elimination of Racial Prejudice (final) 

 

 

Buddhist Resources

Making the Invisible Visible:  Healing Racism in Our Buddhist Communities prepared for the Buddhist Teachers in the West Conference.

“The title of this booklet refers to the ongoing suffering which exists in our sanghas for many People of Color. The oppressive racial and economic conditioning of our greater society, whether intentional or not, manifests in our sanghas. Practitioners of color face many obstacles of access, as well as of attitude, when attempting to join Western Sanghas in order to develop and sustain their practice. It is extremely difficult and painful for people who are already marginalized in society to then be marginalized again in their spiritual community.”

“ And I believe what European-Americans are being called on to do for starters is just this: to listen and be open to voices of color. Put down defensiveness and ask “What is it like for a Person of Color to live in this society or to practice in this sangha?” or “What might this person go through?” Begin with a sense of not knowing, yet wanting– deeply wanting– to understand why so many Buddhists of color feel alienated from most Western sanghas.

Only from this openness and understanding can we all join together to act in ways that will create sanghas that are truly welcoming to all peoples.”

https://www.dharma.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/making-the-invisible-visible.pdf

 

Buddhist Peace Fellowship:

“As an organization devoted to Buddhism + social justice, we are deeply moved by, and grateful for, the incredible Black-led and ally-supported movement organizing coming out of Ferguson, Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis, Oakland, and so many other places. That these movements are visibly helmed by black women and queer people, makes them all the more heartening.  We hope this toolkit continues to further the larger work for collective liberation.“

Here is a link to an article specifically about George Floyd and what is happening now.

http://www.buddhistpeacefellowship.org/from-justice-for-george-floyd-to-disbanding-the-police-minneapolis-sparks-an-international-movement/

Here is a link at the same website where you can find conversations around race or courses (starting at $19) for Buddhist practices to address racism.

http://www.buddhistpeacefellowship.org/buddha-black-lives-matter-racial-justice-toolkit/

 

 

Jewish Resources

Books:
The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl by Marra B. Gad

Central Conference of American Rabbis Statement on Racist Killings: https://www.ccarnet.org/central-conference-of-american-rabbis-statement-on-racist-killings/?fbclid=IwAR3xb7tsFI0Nzq-SY-XrUlQlLjcmvhXyzj21mjUGtrL30l6IsXt5zj1qio4

JCRC link Includes information about Jews of Color Initiatives
https://jcrc.org/news-events/blog/support-racial-justice

Anti-Defamation League, SF Office:
https://www.adl.org/webinars
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/table-talk

Bend the Arc: Black Lives Matter. We’re rising up for Black liberation.
https://www.bendthearc.us

Jewish Gateways:  https://www.jewishgateways.org

Jews of Color Initiative:  https://jewsofcolorinitiative.org

Jews for Racial and Economic Justice:  https://www.jfrej.org

Be’chol Lashon:  https://globaljews.org

Jewish Multicultural Network
https://www.jewishmultiracialnetwork.org
https://www.facebook.com/JewishMultiracialNetwork/

 

Articles in J Weekly on Race and the Jewish Community

·      Jewish youth urge Oakland school district to eliminate school police (https://www.jweekly.com/2020/06/24/jewish-youth-urge-oakland-school-district-to-eliminate-school-police/?utm_source=J.+The+Jewish+News+of+Northern+California&utm_campaign=3caac653e6-coronavirus-6-26-20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93a945700b-3caac653e6-216)

·      How I learned to love myself as a Black Jew:  (https://www.jweekly.com/2020/06/19/how-i-learned-to-love-myself-as-a-black-jew/?utm_source=J.+The+Jewish+News+of+Northern+California&utm_campaign=5826764a91-coronavirus-6-23-20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93a945700b-5826764a91-216459201)

·      For Jews of color, protests are reminders of pain — even within Jewish community:  (https://www.jweekly.com/2020/06/11/for-jews-of-color-protests-are-reminders-of-pain-even-within-jewish-community/?utm_source=J.+The+Jewish+News+of+Northern+California&utm_campaign=72f23e8f4b-coronavirus-6-12-20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93a945700b-72f23)

·      Black Jews are grieving, and we need you to help us mourn:  (https://www.jweekly.com/2020/06/09/black-jews-are-grieving-and-we-need-you-to-help-us-mourn/?utm_source=J.+The+Jewish+News+of+Northern+California&utm_campaign=233c07fde6-coronavirus-6-10-20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93a945700b-233c07fde6-216459201)

·      Unrest over police brutality hits home with S.F. black-Jewish unity group:  (https://www.jweekly.com/2020/06/05/unrest-over-police-brutality-hits-home-with-s-f-black-jewish-unity-group/?utm_source=J.+The+Jewish+News+of+Northern+California&utm_campaign=e6fbe7782b-coronavirus-6-9-20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93a945700b-e6fbe7782b-)

Dear Temple Isaiah family,

At the 1963 National Conference on Race and Religion, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel spoke these words:

“At the first conference on religion and race, the main participants were Pharaoh and Moses. The outcome of that summit meeting has not come to an end. Pharaoh is not ready to capitulate. The Exodus began, but is far from having been completed.”

With the Exodus still undone, our hearts break with the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many other black men and women whose lives have been unjustly taken from them. We, too, share in the outrage felt across our nation at the pervasiveness of racism in our midst.

It is not enough to not be racist. We must be actively anti-racist, which means stepping up, learning together and acting together. We, individually and collectively, must stand by those in our African-American community, including Jews of color.

We are walking around now in fear of a plague, but we must remember our black brothers and sisters are always all the time walking around in fear of the plague of racism. Now is the time to act, to speak up, and to lean into relationship.

*Talk to Your Children:
If you have children and have not yet had a conversation with them about this week’s tragic events and the long history that has led up to this moment, now is the time. Even young children can engage in deep conversations about fairness and how we should not judge by the color of our skin. Older children can learn from you that racism is real, that protest has long been an American tradition, and that we cannot equate loss of life with loss of property. Teach them George Floyd’s name and that he deserves to be remembered. Here is a helpful resource:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/31/how-talk-kids-racism-racial-violence-police-brutality/5288065002/

The Exodus began, but is far from being completed. The work of racial justice is sacred and it needs each and every one of us. Let us help bring about a day when all people truly will know what it means to live and breathe freely.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Jill Perlman
Cantor Leigh Korn
Rabbi Alissa Miller
Rabbi Jay LeVine
Rabbi Nicki Greninger

* Other resources from the Temple Isaiah letter were distributed into the areas of concern throughout this resource. 

 

Temple Isaiah Book Discussion on White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Monday, July 27 12pm-1pm

RSVP to reception@temple-isaiah.org

Join Rabbi Perlman as we discuss the book White Fragility. This discussion is taking place within the context of Isaiah focusing on racial justice as a Jewish issue. Part of this work requires education and self-reflection, which is why we are choosing to read and discuss the work of Robin DiAngelo.

RSVP to reception@temple-isaiah.org

 

Muslim

Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative
http://www.muslimarc.org

Northern California Islamic Council statement
https://www.norcalcouncil.org/announcements/george-floyd-statement-of-solidarity-with-our-black-brothers-and-sisters/

Juneteenth Jumma
https://www.norcalcouncil.org/announcements/juneteenth-jumma/

 

Black American Muslim Youth Speak Out | Confronting Racism Virtual Town Hall

Black American Muslim Youth Speak Out | Confronting Racism Virtual Town Hall

Presbyterian (USA)

https://www.presbyteryofsf.org/21-day-challenge/
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25/racism/

 

 

Roman Catholic

Books:

“Racial Justice and the Catholic Church” by Fr. Bryan Massingale

Natural Saints: How People of Faith are Working to Save God’s Earth by Mallory McDuff

Climate Church, Climate World, How People of Faith Must Work for Change by Jim Antal.

Compilations:
Catholic Resources for Racial Justice 2020
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kYfjbNmJOf9YSzszxYLapGOocXFIXpsd6Jszekg1k_U/edit#

Required reading: A Black Catholic syllabus  (U.S. Catholic)
https://www.uscatholic.org/articles/202006/required-reading-black-catholic-syllabus-32088

 

JustFaith (Catholic & Ecumenical) Faith & Race Congregational Study Series:
Just Faith  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbKzU9TJhrY&t=3586s

1 – Faith & Racial Equity: Exploring Power & Privilege
https://justfaith.org/faith-and-racial-equity/

2 – Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration
https://justfaith.org/faith-and-racial-healing/

3 – Faith and Racial Justice: Changing Systems and Structures
https://justfaith.org/faith-and-racial-justice/

 

St. Bonaventure’s Anti-Racism resource page, including their 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge.
https://stbonaventure.net/racialequitychallenge

 

Unitarian Universalists

White Fragility Discussion guide by Gail Firsyth-Vail (UU White Fragility Discussion Guide)

 

 

United Church of Christ

https://danvillechurch.org/antiracism/
The following is a list of resources you can access to engage in anti-racism work.

Click here for ways you can help right now.

26 Ways to be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets

Things to Listen to

For Children

For Young People

For Parents

For Adults

For families with young people 

(not all appropriate for all ages of children)

 

Unity Walnut Creek

White Fragility Study Group
Eight sessions – Thurdays July 9 through August 27, 2020, 7-8:30 pm
Love offering of $10-$20 per session suggested.
Pre-Registration is required (See PayPal link on the Site)
Zoom log-In Information will be Sent to you at a later date
You may pre-pay for all sessions or pay per session

50% of the class proceeds will go to JusticeForMilesHall.org

 

 

Black Owned Businesses in CCC & the East Bay:

California Search:  https://www.supportblackowned.com/states/ca

 

Bay Area:  https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2020/black-owned-restaurants/

 

BAOBOB – Bay Area Organization of Black Owned Businesses Directory App:

https://www.facebook.com/BAOBOBdirectory/

 

Concord:  https://www.visitconcordca.com/blog/supporting-concords-black-owned-businesses/

 

25 black-owned home decor businesses:

https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/decoration-design-ideas/black-owned-home-decor/

Bookstores:  Please order the resources you can from Black-owned or local, independently owned bookstores, some of which are listed below.

Marcus Books in Oakland is the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the country, 60 years old this year. They aren’t taking online orders right now, but can be reached at 510-652-2344 to place orders.  Their store is open at 3900 Martin Luther King Way (near MacAurthur BART), Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, for those willing to wear a mask.  Please go in small groups, and use the hand sanitizer available there.

 

Multicultural Children’s Book Store is located at 2325 Hilltop Mall Drive, Richmond, but there are doing all of their orders online at https://www.multiculturalbookstore.com.  You can see all the books they offer there.  For questions, please email multiculturalbookstore@gmail.com or call Gamara Shiloh 510-322-4781 or 510-209-3063.  Great source for children’s books with diverse characters and topics.

 

Railroad Book Depot is a Black-managed store, managed by Janice Glover, the wife of Supervisor Federal Glove.  It is is operated by Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation.  It is located at 650 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg, CA.  They are open for phone orders, Monday through Friday from 9 am to noon telephone is 925-427-2334.  New Books, Used Books, Consignment Sales and More at Pittsburg’s only independent bookstore.  Their online bookstore is at https://www.railroadbookdepot.com/online-store.

 

Ashay By the Bay is an online Black-centered bookstore in Vallejo that’s operating online at https://ashaybythebay.com.  Their website says that “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unexpected huge surge in orders, we are going to pause our store from July 1st – 15th to cach up.  During this time you will be able to browse, but you won’t be able to make purchases or use Gift Cards.  Our top priority right now is our customers with existing orders.  Please know that we will continue to ship as quickly as possible and you can contact us regarding any delayed deliveries and expected ship dates.  When we fully reopen our promotions will continue and life will go on.  Thanks again for your understanding and patience.  Ashay By The Bay”  Keep them in mind for the future, and see the wide selection of books they have by age and grade groups.

 

Carol’s Book Store is a Black owned book store in Sacramento at 1913 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento.  You can order online at https://carolsbookstore.com/shop or you can contact them at (916) 600-0151 or hello@carolsbookstore.com.

 

Flashlight Books is at 1537 North Main Street, in Walnut Creek is open Wednesday to Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm.  Contact them by email at contact@flashlightbooks.com to order or use their online presence at http://www.flashlightbooks.com or 925-278-1797.  They have a table and one whole bookcase devoted to Anti-Racism books for folks to educate themselves on Anti-Blackness in America.  The store is owned by three white women, one of whom is Jewish and two of whom are LGBTQ.  Their main emphasis is children’s books with 20% for adults, but their mission is to include titles on diversity or with diverse characters of every kind.  The “Anti-Racist Baby” book by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is on back order until mid-July.

 

Rakestraw Books is 3 Railroad Avenue, in Danville and is open from Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 4 pm.  Order online at https://www.rakestrawbooks.com or call (925) 837-7337.  They have some of the books in the store, but many books are on backorder or waitlisted.  Personal masks are required and they provide hand sanitizer at the door to enter the store.  More information on visiting the store is at https://www.rakestrawbooks.com/page/visiting.

 

Thank you, Sophia Mesber for sharing this new link!

https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/support-black-owned-businesses/

Ways to Donate to the Black organizations doing the work:

Black Lives Matter Resources: How You Can Help Support Protesters & The Cause.  https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/black-lives-matter-resources-protesters-4085856/

 

Consider giving to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a community-based non-profit in Minnesota that pays criminal bail and immigration bonds for individuals who have been arrested while protesting police brutality.  https://minnesotafreedomfund.org

 

Black Visions Collective Minnesota, a Minnesota-based black, trans, and queer-led organization committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence, and shifting the public narrative to create transformative, long-term change.  https://www.blackvisionsmn.org

 

People’s Breakfast Oakland
https://linktr.ee/PBO
https://shop.hellablackpod.com

 

 

 

Other Resources:

Organizations & Training

 

Websites/Lists/Collections of Resources

Scaffolded Antiracism Resources

Antiracism Resources for All Ages

Antiracism Resources for White People

 

Statements

We Can’t Breathe: A Message from Western Oregon University Black Student Union Regarding #BlackLivesMatterhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hk9H40d2OtULYh83Y_8oBQaG0VhuAlTYYOdymxrexaE/mobilebasic

NJTESOL/NJBE Statement of Solidarity Against Anti-Black Racism :  https://njtesol-njbe.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Anti-Racism-statement.pdf

Becoming Anti-Racist Resource List from Rutgers:  https://diversity.rutgers.edu/learn/becoming-anti-racist-resource-list

Washington University Race & Equity Initiative Anti-Racism Resources:  https://www.washington.edu/raceequity/2020/06/10/race-and-equity-resources/

 

40+ Books for Anti-Racist Teachers
https://culturallyresponsiveleadership.com/antiracistbooks/

 

How to Address Trauma Related to Curriculum Violence: https://teach.com/resources/addressing-student-trauma-curriculum-violence/

 

White Fragility Guide for Educators (WhiteFragilityGuide for Educators)

 

Race, Power and Policy: Dismantling Structural Racism:   Racialization distorts all parts of the System https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/race_power_policy_workbook.pdf

 

Black Lives Matter:  https://blacklivesmatter.com/

 

Movement For Black Lives:  https://m4bl.org
Policy platforms:  https://m4bl.org/policy-platforms/
Defund the Police:  https://m4bl.org/defund-the-police/

 

Resources against BLM skepticism:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SbI4NIqFrQ1gqOvt9LJxV4cfwF4dyfWolqJ-CRX3rfw/mobilebasic

 

Local Organizations or Chapters:

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ):  https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/surj-network.html  (see alsohttps://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/community-safety-campaign.html)

SURJ Contra Costa County:  https://www.facebook.com/SURJCCC