celebrating black history
Observing Black History Month throughout February is a good thing, for the most part. Unfortunately, it is used by some as an opportunity to pat themselves on the back and then move to the next thing when March arrives.
Racial justice work should never—can never—be a “one and done” if you actually believe in the work. Racial justice work and addressing systemic racism is a lifelong commitment. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is in this work for the long haul and we hope you are, too. You can find a lot of great information here on our Faithful Voices for Racial Justice website: www.faithful-voices.org.
We do believe Black History Month can be a springboard or a catalyst to begin the work, or even to renew your commitment to the work.
Whether as an individual, as a family, in a workplace, or as a community of faith, take the meaning and importance of Black History Month to not only learn something new but to also use it to commit to the ongoing work. And then, find a way to take action during the month and beyond.
There are many, many meaningful paths in addressing racism; both learning about and taking action.
We want to share a few ideas our Faithful Voices for Racial Justice planning team brainstormed to help start the conversation. We would love to hear from you the different ideas you are planning or are already doing in your community or at home.
- Create a study or discussion group and utilize existing resources to help guide the conversations. Some suggestions include:
- Commit to reading 2-3 books on racism during the month. Form a book club of friends who are also committed to learning and doing the work of understanding their own biases.
- Hold a community conversation in your own community of faith, workplace, or organization on what it means to be anti-racist. Commit as a community to reading Ibram X. Kendi’s book, How to Be an Anti-Racist, prior to the conversation.
- If you are part of a community of faith, invite another congregation of another predominant race or a different faith into exploring a covenant to build relationships and hold difficult conversations on race and racism. Relationship building is key in beginning the process.
- Partner with, support, and build relationships with a local organization providing services in Black and Brown communities or is an advocacy organization working on systemic racism issues (e.g. Black Lives Matter, or other organizations).
- Begin building an informal coalition of faith communities in your immediate community that want to work on issues of systemic racism. If you would like help and support in this effort, feel free to contact Connie at the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa office.
- Highlight the work and efforts of social and racial justice organizations in your community or in the state through your communications (newsletter, bulletin, social media).
- Suggest daily or weekly “Things to think about” for those in your community to help them consider, learn from, or raise awareness. You can find many resources here on the www.faithful-voices.org website.