Waking Up White
Follow Up
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Thank you!

During a very busy December, while we were all in holiday mode, you made a commitment to further your own learning in the month of January. Some of you began your journey long ago, and others by engaging with the book during this time. You joined us in January and gave up 4 Monday evenings, devoting yourself to better understand the story of Race in America, in our community, and your place in it. What transformational conversations we had! One thing Debby Irving talks about in the end of her book is about how our work with Race is never finished. We are constantly walking in a rhythm of learning and action. It is in this spirit that we write to you now. February is Black History Month. It is an excellent time to expand your knowledge about the experiences of people of color. We hope this email encourages you to continue your own rhythm of learning and action. If there is someone you've been talking to about race or someone who feel might benefit, please share this email with them.

Pastor Maria Markman
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Learning
Ideas for your journey:
  • Although there are ideas and lists of what we as individuals can do to combat racism / systemic racism, this is not a “check the box” exercise. This work is ongoing Awareness, Confession, Reformation and Transformation
  • In addition, we will never “arrive” or be blameless / perfect
  • When (not if) you make a mistake, be resilient rather than fragile; pick yourself up, ask for forgiveness, and keep walking the journey
  • While many of us yearn to “do more”, many authors / experts believe these types of conversations with other white people are essential and the work we should be doing / the primary way to disrupt racism in America - especially if they make us uncomfortable. Don’t downplay the importance of talking with friends, family, coworkers and others about racism and privilege.
  • Pray and be open – if we ask God to open our eyes and ears and to open our hearts and minds will not God answer? Pray for opportunities to make a difference and to better understand and love our siblings of color. God will answer!
Resources
There are MANY resources on our Grace Lutheran Church Website.
I'm currently listening to:
Race and Redemption Podcast
The Race and Redemption podcast exists to provide first-hand testimonies along with Biblically and factually accurate, non-partisan content so that our listeners are empowered to pursue racial redemption right where they are planted.
Action
Where do you want to start? Focus on areas that matter to you!
  • Your job
  • Your time / volunteering
  • Your money
  • Your white communities
  • Your vote / electoral politics
  • Your children
  • Your home
  • And more - check out the document link to the right for more!
For more specific actions in each category
Ideas on what we can do as individuals to combat racism:
  • Shop at businesses owned by people of color
  • Example: where you buy your books on racial justice. Amazon versus Black owned bookstore.
  • Support restaurants owned by people of color
  • Vote for candidates that support issues faced by people of color
  • Support a candidate of color: money, volunteer or ask what they need
  • Learn about the prison system and sentencing guidelines and their impact on people of color
  • Shop at stores that have more diversity and may make you uncomfortable
  • Support schools in impoverished neighborhoods: money, volunteer, ask what they need
  • Increase your civic and political awareness
  • Start seeing people of color in our community and outside of our local community
How White People Can Talk to Each Other About Disrupting Racism: A Guide to Starting Anti-Racist Conversations with Friends and Family