Becoming an

Anti-Racist

Why are people of color rioting in our streets?  Why do some white people react negatively when people yell, “Black lives matter?”  Why do some people of color get mad or disheartened when white people respond “All lives matter?”  Why do so many of us exempt ourselves from the conversation with the defense, “I’m not a racist?”

We live in a society where racist ideas permeate our thought patterns and create restrictions for people of color.  Many of us are not aware of our own thought patterns that may, in fact, hinder the freedom of all people.  The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others in recent weeks have brought the issue of American racism front and center.  How are we to respond?

In August, Pastor Tony Alstott and Dr. Erica Lawrence will lead a discussion of currently held racist ideas in our society.  Dr. Lawrence brings a lifetime of education experience and will lead us through learning models that help us to learn and experience racist ideas.  Pastor Alstott is the pastor of Wesley Chapel and has encouraged people to follow the example of the greatest anti-racist, Jesus of Nazareth.

The four week dialogue will include

August 6: I live in a racist society

August 13: I am not a racist

August 20: The Real Message

August 27: Becoming an Anti-racist

We will be offering in-person discussion on Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in August.  Masks will be required when we are instructed to move around the room and they will be optional when seated.

If you would like to attend in person you can make reservations on REALM (limit 90). Each session will begin at 6:30 pm on Thursday.

Participants may include adults, high school students, and middle school students.

Elementary children are welcome with an adult. No child care is provided

We will be offering virtual discussion on Zoom (no limits).