Faith & Racial Equity

This program is designed to awaken participants to the economic systems, public policies, cultural norms, and hidden biases that empower some and oppress others. Through facilitator-led prayer and discussion, participants will learn a framework for understanding and recognizing racial disparities in power and privilege and dive into specific issues related to these dynamics including affirmative action, the school-to-prison pipeline, the criminal justice system, and powerful biases in media representation.

SESSIONS INCLUDE

• Prayer and Reflection
• Discussion of Reading and Videos
• Faith Integration
• Spiritual Practices
• Guest Speakers

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Pre-Session: Community Building and Introductions
A virtual experience the Sunday before we begin

Session 1: Breaking the Silence
Introduces the theme of privilege and white fragility

Session 2: The Invention of Race
Discusses the origins of race and racial identity

Session 3: Socialization
Helps participants begin to name the cultural messages that have formed their understanding of race

Session 4: What is Whiteness?
Participants identify how whiteness affects their communities and institutions

Session 5: Privilege and Education
Participants hear from a guest speaker from the local community, and then explore how racial privilege is
embedded in our education system

Session 6: Privilege and the Media
Explores racialized messages in the media and our
assumptions about race

Immersion Experience
A group project as COVID dictates

Session 7: The Accused
Explores implicit bias, policing, and double standards
around drug policy

Session 8: Opting In
Guides participants in discerning ways to take action

There are three books to be read - in small bites - over the eight weeks. The parish will take care of ordering the books. The videos used throughout the program can be viewed at any time using an access code and password that will be provided. Books and videos can be shared within a household if participants choose. The cost for books and materials per household is $50 for each set ordered; at least one set must be ordered to participate. Financial assistance may be available if needed.

OUR HOPE IS THAT...

Faith & Racial Equity: Exploring Power & Privilege awakens you to the dynamics of power and privilege by exploring how our faith should inform our response and help us discern action steps for working toward racial equity in our homes, communities, and workplaces.