Avondale Responds
"Start The Conversation"
Image from the Freedom Park Protest on June 1, 2020
"We confess our complicity, inertia and timidity.
We own our responsibility right now.
With God’s help, we will change ourselves.
With you, we’ll change our institutions and our community."
-Charlotte Clergy and Community Leaders
Avondale Family,

I understand that a number of years ago Avondale hosted a lecture series focused on anti-racism which laid the foundation
for some rich and enlightening conversations. Yesterday I was fortunate to be in a conversation where I got to hear first hand from three African Americans about their experiences, their feelings, and their perspectives of the last two weeks. I found it helpful and meaningful to listen as well as share my lament with them. 
As people of faith, one of the ways that we love our neighbor
is to be in conversation with them. If you haven’t already, I
would encourage you to have these conversations with the
people of color in your life. As you do, here are some things to
be mindful of …
"White People: As We Talk About Race Together"
 
by Rev. Dr. Jan Edminston 
General Presbyter, Presbytery of Charlotte
Posted on June 2, 2020  
If you happen to be in a culture or congregation or family that is not talking about race in America right now, this post is not for you – except that I ask, “ Why ?” If we are not talking about race now, when will we ever talk about race?

If your life context and culture and community is indeed talking about race right now, things are complex and fraught with factors that will undermine the conversations. Can we avoid . . .

  • Making these conversations about ourselves? This is not the time to seek personal glory for being woke.

  • Making these conversations about competition? I cannot compare what I’m feeling as a White person to what Black and Brown people are feeling. I have no idea what it feels like to be a Person of Color. How dare we – White People – say, “I know how you feel” to a Brown or Black person.

  • Making excuses? This is an excellent time to refrain from “whataboutisms.”

  • White-splaining? Enough said.

White People: This is a good time to consider race. Talk about it amongst yourselves with an emphasis on listening to people with whom we disagree. That’s the beginning.
Starting the conversation with your children...

At Avondale we have a number of young families and talking with our children about racial equality is also incredibly important. Here is a link to a couple of resources that Carrie and I have found helpful in talking with our kids.
The Children's Community School:
Social Justice Resources
Sesame Street
"Coming Together: Standing Up To Racism"
A Town Hall for Kids and Family
Saturday, June 6 / 10 AM
"21 Day Racial Equity Challenge"

Are you looking for ways to listen and learn?

We invite you to participate in  Eddie Moore’s 21 day challenge by watching, reading, noticing, listening, connecting and praying!

For 21 days, do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity.

Consider doing this on your own or as a group!

Visit the link below for a planning tool and list of recommendations.
[704.333.6194] [ AVONDALEPRESBYCHURCH.ORG]