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 – by Aisha Newton
My name is Aisha, and I'm Dilworth UMC, new Office and Communications Manager; and I'm from a small town in Ohio called Twinsburg for those who don't know me. My town is predominantly white, but the area I lived in is called Twinsburg Heights, which was predominately black. My experiences with racism as a child consisted of minor undertones such as my school making Black History month Multicultural Month because from what they said to make it to include everyone or all the black kids being "Indians" ( Native Americans) during a school play.
One thing I want people to learn is not to say that you don't see color; it's ok to say that you don't judge based on the color of someone's skin, but you indeed see the color. By saying that you are color blind completely negates someone's experience as a whole human who looks different and experiences the world differently than you. "Not seeing" race denies systemic racism.
I attended an HBCU in the south called North Carolina A&T State University, where I learned so much about black history that I never learned in school. Once I graduated, it was back to the real world, which was somewhat of a cultural shock since I was mostly only around people that looked like me for years. Racism was a lot more noticeable, some in subtle ways, such as knowing I'm being followed in the store or a white coworker using a tone regarding my hairstyles or to the downright racism of being called a stupid nigger. What I've experienced isn't as bad as others, but I want people to understand that I'm a black woman. See my skin, see my hair changes, say my beautiful name correctly. I want you to love my beautiful brown and black sisters and brothers and know our lives matter, and to stand with us in this fight for justice!
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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 “Dear Church: A Love Letter From a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the U.S.” by Lenny Duncan. 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.
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.
