In Solidarity: An Anti-Racism Workshop
Friday, September 22; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 23; 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Have you wondered why there is so much misunderstanding between Black & White folks? Is racism really the issue or is it a matter of economics?
Do you know the meaning of critical race theory? Why is there so much controversy about it?
Do you ask yourself, why am I responsible for addressing racism when members of my family were not enslavers? What can I or my church do to promote racial justice?
The In Solidarity – Anti-Racism Workshop addresses these questions & more.
Participants will learn how to avoid making false assumptions and unintentional microaggressions toward Black folks. They will learn how African Americans have relied on their spiritual strength and their creative spirit to survive centuries of oppression. Participants will be encouraged to engage spiritually and emotionally while connecting historical and cultural insights thus strengthening their relationships with African American people as they work together for racial justice.
Suggested Reading
The suggested reading before the workshop is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. The book is available on audiobooks, at the Downers Grove Library, Anderson’s Bookshop, on Amazon, or at the MJC table after worship on Sundays.
About Rev. Joan Crawford
Our workshop presenter, the Reverend Joan Crawford is a Spiritual Director, Deacon and Benedictine Oblate. Joan has an ecumenical background and inclusive vision. She received a Master of Theology from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois; and a Certificate in Spiritual Guidance from the Siena Dominican Center in Racine, Wisconsin. Her ministry now includes workshops to promote interracial healing and dialogue. Joan brings spiritual awareness, insightful humor, and tender seriousness to her presentations. Her candor, sensitivity, and deep listening will help instill the building blocks for better understanding between the African American and Anglo-American communities.
Testimonials
“Joan is an educator and minister who serves from a heart of hope while sitting comfortably with the complex set of issues facing our world. She values and recognizes the importance of engaging across differences.“
“... deeply emotional material. Hard to walk away without being touched.“
“It was great. Thank you…for opening your heart and life to us. I never realized the depth of fear, pain, death and danger in the history of African Americans.”
“Joan was an excellent presenter and engaged people…you could feel the energy in the room open up.”
“Words are inadequate to express appropriate appreciation and respect for Joan’s service and vulnerability in presenting these amazing sessions.”
Join us for the Workshop
Suggested reading before the workshop is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. The book is available on audiobooks, at the Downers Grove Library, Anderson’s Bookshop, on Amazon, or at the MJC table after worship on Sundays. If you’d like to sign up on Sunday, and nobody is present, please use the QR code provided with this article. Registration is $25, including Saturday lunch. Sign up to attend using the provided QR code or visit dgfumc.org/giving.
