The Racial Justice Initiative
lives out our faith by accelerating Plymouth’s actions to heal pervasive racial injustice through individual, congregational, and community transformation. RJI’s goals are threefold: to deepen our personal awareness of white advantage in systemic racism, to fuel our commitment to actions that address racial injustice through a spiritual, honest, and compassionate approach to ourselves and others, and to pursue opportunities to work with organizations led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color and other allies committed to fostering racial justice in our communities. Contact: Sonia Cairns, scairns@mosscairns.com
Learn more about our stance for racial justice here:
UCC Racial Justice
Racial Justice Bibliography
Sermon: Antiracism as a Spiritual Practice I
Sermon: Antiracism as a Spiritual Practice II
Sermon: Antiracism as a Spiritual Practice III
Volunteer
The RJI is always looking for volunteers to assist with programming activities. Topics and sub-committees include the following: building working and personal relationships with organizations and fighting systemic racism; partnering with Isaiah and other local organizations on voter enfranchisement efforts; reforming police and improving public safety; communicating to the congregation about how people can get involved; fostering the congregation’s curiosity about U.S. history and dismantling the narrative about white supremacy, American exceptionalism and the history of race relations; promoting congregational dialogue through Racial Justice Circles and other ways; inviting speakers on racial justice topics; providing support and racial justice resources; cultivating a relationship between the RJI and the Immigration Welcome Working Group; enhancing resource offerings with books, articles, podcasts, movies and encourage internal reflection; leading book reviews; and encouraging members to share their personal experiences and to understand their own white privilege. Please contact RJI co-chairs Catherine Shreves at cshreves@comcast.net or Sonia Cairns at scains@mosscairns.com for how to get involved.
Plymouth READS – I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made For Whiteness
Austin Channing Brown
The Racial Justice Initiative and the Spiritual Exploration Committee, Co-Sponsors
Many of you may have attended a Plymouth READS event in prior years when we were able to gather for dinner and conversation in Lenmark/Jackman. Though we would love to be with you in person over a shared meal, we can still gather for rich conversation. We invite you to join us through Zoom to discuss this rich and important book.
Austin Channing Brown has written a short book filled with stories pulled from her own life that illuminate the experiences of many Black Americans. She shares what it is like to navigate not just this country’s deep issues with race but also her experience as a Black woman working in a white religious institution.
We hope you’ll join us. We have copies of the book available for those on tight budgets. Please let Ann Manning know if you would like one. anncmanningmn@gmail.com
Register for ONE of the Zoom meetings below.