Mission: to Amplify Compassion by amplifying marginalized voices in our community, including those marginalized by their race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, or any others searching for equity. We will help challenge our congregation to amplify justice, mercy, and humility to create a more compassionate church.
Reflection – Aisha Newton
Privilege . . . what does it mean? By definition, it means a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. For many like myself, privilege isn’t given; you have to work for it. Anyone growing up in a Black household has always heard, “you have to be twice as good to get half as much,” a quote from the popular show Scandal, but one we all know well. In order for Black people to get recognition, we have to outshine.
Being a Black woman is doubly hard, especially being a dark skin Black woman (darker skin even in my own community can be frowned upon). In pay, on average Black women receive 70 cents to the $1.00 that white men make. Black men make 20 cents more than us, with white women receiving 10 cents more than us. It’s hard to live in a society where Black women are on average paid less than other demographic groups even after attending college. I have a master’s degree and most of the jobs I have worked didn’t pay me what I am worth. It’s frustrating not having the privilege of others. I work hard as a Black single mother, but it doesn’t always pay off.
Understanding the facts of privilege can help this country a lot. By understanding, we create an alliance that can help justice be served—understanding that we all should be paid a livable wage—understanding that we all should feel safe when being pulled over by cops – understanding that we are all different colors, but we all have the same blood flowing through us, the Blood of Jesus. We are one in the body of Christ, and we can change the world together.
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Join A Tu Lado - a ministry opportunity through the Migrant Assistance Project in which houses of faith partner with an immigrant family and walk with them on their journey through the immigration process in the U.S. If you are interested in joining an A Tu Lado team at Dilworth UMC please reach out to Pastor Cade for more information.
Suggested Resources
Join the Amplify Book Club for our study on “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Click Here to purchase a copy of the book, and please reach out to Pastor Cade to express interest in being part of this study (
cade.barefoot@dilworthchurch.org).
Are you interested in sharing a reflection in the Amplify newsletter? If you feel called to share a story, testimony, or devotion related to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, please reach out to Pastor Cade. The Amplify Team is open to all members who feel passionate about shaping our conversation and working for justice in and through Dilworth UMC. Please contact Pastor Cade to become a part of this important ministry.
