TEN STARTING POINTS TO ENGAGE RACE ISSUES

(Download a PDF copy of this document HERE)

Current events have highlighted the need for us to learn, grow, and change as Christians if we are to live into our calling to love one another well. First United Presbyterian has put together a list of ten resources for us to explore in order to learn and grow in our understanding of historical and current issues regarding racial

bias and injustices connected to race. These are great places to start, and we hope to continue to explore, listen, discuss, and grow together in the coming months.

1. Test yourself for hidden or unconscious biases.

Hidden Bias Tests measure unconscious, or automatic, biases. Your willingness to examine your own possible

biases is an important step in understanding the roots of stereotypes and prejudice in our society. Click here for more information on hidden bias.

2. Read this book to Understand Basic Racial Issues & Engage in Productive Conversations on Racism

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

3. Read this book to Understand White Privilege

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

4. Watch this movie to learn more about systemic racism

Just Mercy streaming is a movie is based on a true story which happened Alabama in the last 1980s-early 1990s. (watch the trailer)

5. Watch this YouTube Video to learn more about privilege

An Interview and conversation about white privilege on CBS This Morning (6:30)

“How to become aware of privilege”

Robin DiAngelo (author of White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism) and Ibram X.

Kendi (CBS News contributor & author of How to Be Anti-Racist) discuss what it is, why it persists, and how it

impacts African Americans. Both authors offer ways to encourage honest conversations about racism in America.

6. Resource to Discuss Racism with Older Youth, Teens, and Adults

National Museum of African American History & Culture

“How do we begin to wrap our minds around race in America? Race – and racism – has grown adept at

shapeshifting to maintain power and privilege for some and suffering and oppression for others. To begin to

dismantle racism and inequity, many things must happen simultaneously: historical understanding, community

building, personal reflection, and committed anti-racist practice.” Choose from multiple topics.

7. Resource to Discuss Racism with Children

CNN and Sesame Street Racism Town Hall: CNN's Van Jones and Erica Hill partner with "Sesame Street" for

Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, a town hall for kids and families.

8. Racial Equity Challenge

Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, has a Racial Equity Challenge, challenging its members to a “21-

day racial equity challenge of reading, listening, and noticing issues we must not hide from.” There are articles,

videos, and podcasts to choose your engagement by watching, reading, listening, and noticing.

9. Resources from Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery’s social action page:

    • “The Apology,” voted into policy by our Presbytery on February 6, 2020. It outlines the history of white

      privilege and how it has directly affected the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy.

   • “What is White Privilege, Really?” from Teaching Tolerance

   • Facing Racism: PC(USA) Policy and Study Guide

   • “6 Ways White People Can Dismantle White Supremacy” from Unbound

   • PC(USA) Advocacy and Social Justice webpage

10. Resources from our denomination, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Racial Justice Resources (Articles, statements from PC(USA) leaders, policy statements, recommended books, discussion materials)