Read & Resist Book Group Resumes February 7, 2022

The Read and Resist Book Group tackles books that help us keep our baptismal vow to "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves." Our next two books are All We Can Save: Truth, courage and solutions for the climate crisis (Johnson and Wilkinson) and Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous wisdom to heal divides and restore balance (Villanueva). For more information or to join contact Janice Yates (jyates@decaturfirst.org).

 Simple (but not easy) Ways to
Resist Evil, Injustice, and Oppression:

LISTEN

It is critical those who do not experience racism daily learn the truth of what racism and white supremacy look like and feel like in real life. We must listen to those experiences to learn the truth. Here are 11 opportunities to watch or listen.

MOVIES/DOCUMENTARIES

PODCASTS/NEWS

READ

We must understand the history, politics, and reality of white supremacy and the fight for civil rights. 
These books can help us do that.

ACT

Knowing what’s wrong is only part of it, we must act to dismantle white supremacy and fight for justice. 
Here are some ways to start. 

  1. Protest AND Prioritize black voices. Before you show up to protest, ask who is organizing, speaking and leading. Find the black leaders and follow them.

  2. Make contact with your elected officials and express your concern about police brutality and the school to prison pipeline.  Identify yourself as a person of faith, and be respectful.

  3. Learn about anti-racist groups and consider making a donation: Black Lives Matter • Campaign Zero
    The Equal Justice Initiative • Fair Fight

  4. Invite friends and family to read the books listed above or listen to these podcasts with you, and then discuss them together. It will be awkward, but you can handle it.

  5. Offer to purchase anti-racism materials for your local school. You can also support DFUMC’s education ministries by purchasing anti-racism resources, contact Janice (jyates@decaturfirst.org) for more information.

  6. Strive to understand white privilege. You can start by reading White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo.

  7. Every camp, school, club, or college you’ve ever been a part of probably has a scholarship for people of color (POC). Consider supporting that scholarship with a financial contribution. Reach out to your alumni office and find out what you can do to support the Black Student Union at your alma mater.

  8. Work to understand your own implicit bias - what you think and act on, without even realizing you think it. Harvard has a free online test, at this link. It takes about 10 minutes. The UMC also has this online course exploring implicit bias that can be done at your own pace. The cost of the course is $20.

  9. Intentionally seek out black-owned businesses to support in your community. There are a lot of lists floating around the internet. Here’s one from the AJC, or you can check out this google spreadsheet.

  10. Pray.

“From self–righteousness that will not compromise, and from selfishness that gains by the oppression of others, O Lord, deliver us. From the lust for money or power that drives to kill, from trusting in the weapons of war, and mistrusting the councils of peace, O Lord, deliver us.From hearing, believing, and speaking lies about those who are different, and from suspicions and fears that stand in the way of reconciliation, O Lord, deliver us. From words and deeds that encourage discord, prejudice, and hatred; from everything that prevents us from fulfilling your promise of peace, O Lord, deliver us. Embolden us to keep our baptismal vows to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”