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Dismantling Systemic Racism

At TPC, we value inclusivity, curiosity, compassion, and courage. The ministry of Jesus Christ and the breath of the Holy Spirit have shown us both the humanity and divinity that exists within every single person… regardless of skin color… or ethnicity… or citizenship… or sexual orientation… or socio-economic condition... or any other prejudice we may try to use to separate some from others.

Sadly, we also recognize the limited work we have done to combat societal systems of injustice and prejudice that have existed around and, at times, within us, which have served to lift some up while pushing others down.

We are called to do more--both do better understand and better combat the systemic racism that continues to exist. Below are resources all are encouraged to explore.

Denominational Resources

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Facing Racism site

Articles to read:

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack - "I was taught to see racism only in individual acts of meanness, not in invisible systems conferring dominance on my group." by Peggy McIntosh

Tips for Creating Effective White Caucus Groups - White Caucuses are an important mechanism for people who identify as white and/or have white skin privilege to do our own work. It provides us an environment and intention to authentically and critically engage in whiteness, white privilege, and hold each other accountable for change. We explore how to recognize whiteness and white privilege, identify and interrupt our internalized dominance, and collectively develop strategies for liberation and change.

Online Videos

A video from the PC (USA) Stated Clerk and Office of the General Assembly calls the church to action in light of three deaths in May, 2020 of African Americans.

Ted Talk from Verna Myers - "Overcoming Our Biases"

Ted Talk from Peggy McIntosh:  "How Studying Privilege Systems Can Strengthen Compassion"

Additional Videos to watch:

13th (Netflix) - A thought-provoking documentary, in which scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.