Racial Justice
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Resources on Racism & ways to take action
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We can become overwhelmed by the immensity of the problem of racism. We can despair that any progress will ever be made. We can, if we are white, feel miserable and guilty because of the privilege we enjoy vis-à-vis Blacks, Native Americans, Latinos, and even Asian Americans. But none of that, I believe, is helpful. What I think is helpful is conversion - conversion of mind and heart to the Gospel. The solution is to emphasize the good news of the Gospel. This does not eliminate the realistic, sober, eyes-wide-open understanding of the deep underlying patterns of racism that all of us, regardless of race, are caught in. Our guide must be St. Paul. Almost 2,000 years ago, St. Paul gave us a vision of unity and equality that is still breathtaking today. He wrote: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28
All are one.
~Fr. Chuck
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1. Pray
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For our parish, that we may cultivate welcome, extend hospitality, and encourage the participation of people of all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, let us pray to the Lord.
For the courage to have difficult conversations about racism, and for a better appreciation of how our words and actions – or even our silence – can impact our communities, let us pray to the Lord.
For solidarity in our global human family, that we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need, let us pray to the Lord.
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism or exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life"~Pope Francis
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2. Inform yourself as a Catholic
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Get informed as a Catholic. Many news outlets want to tell you their version of the truth. But as Catholics, we need to know the Church's response to this issue. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website is a great place to start. Here are some additional resources:- Human Life and Dignity - Combatting Racism
- Pope Francis: No tolerance for racism, but without violence
- Catholic Resources for Racial Justice 2020
- BlackCatholicHistory, a Pre-K-8 curriculum for the entire school year. It's accessed online and updated frequently. This is an excellent tool in a school’s anti-racism toolbox. Use it to fulfill the 2018 directive from the USCCB which calls on Catholic schools to “develop curricula relating to racism and reconciliation.” (Open Wide Our Hearts: the Enduring Call to Love).
- Black Catholic Syllabus by Tia Noelle Pratt, Ph.D.
- Children’s books on anti-racism, The New York Times
- Ta-Nehisi Coates to Eve Ewing: Black Authors To Read, The Daily Social Distancing Show (video 30 minutes)
- Trevor Noah’s Domino Theory, a video (about 18 minutes)
- Brené Brown’s Antiracism Resources
- Unlocking Us, a Podcast from Brené Brown. Of special interest is her recent interview with Ibrahim X. Kendi (podcast, about 1 hour).
We’d also like to recommend the following PBS presentations:- Race – The Power of an Illusion
- Reconstruction – America After the Civil War
- Black Bodies airs Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 pm, Monday, Sept. 14, at 9 pm, at 9 pm Austin's PBS station KLRU-TV
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3. Call your legislators to take a stand against Racism
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Let
your elected officials know that you stand with the US Catholic Bishops on issues of racial justice. Call your representatives in Congress, your Senators, and the White House and express your opinions and experiences. Urge politicians and lawmakers to do the right thing. Visit USA.gov to find their contact information with ease.
- Racial equality tools organization has a site dedicated to Laws and policies against racism.
- U.N. Rights Body Adopts Antiracism Resolution Amid Controversy
- Racism in any form is intolerable, Vatican official says at UN hearing
- Manage and eliminate racism in workplace
- How to Be an Ally from Tolerance.org
Also, remember in the next election that these issues matter, and vote. Voting is not only a privilege but an obligation.
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4. Support organizations that are helping now
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Here are a few organizations and other ways to offer support locally:- Join many fellow parishioners of St. Austin's in the Courageous Conversations hosted by our neighboring parish, Holy Cross. The parish's Social Justice Ministry focuses on the church's role in undoing institutional and systemic racism. It does not focus on blaming or calling out individuals, but rather raises awareness about how the deep and historic roots of racism in this country affect us all, even well-meaning people of goodwill. In this regard, the ministry hosts monthly Courageous Conversations which are open to the community. Contact Holy Cross to learn more.
- The Austin Justice Coalition (AJC) serves people who are historically and systematically impacted by gentrification, segregation, over-policing, a lack of educational and employment opportunities, and other institutional forms of racism in Austin.
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Austin
- Austin Area Urban League
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Sr. Thea Bowman's address to US Catholic Bishops
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A link to the text ofSr. Thea's Address
Subcommittee on African-American Affairs - Sr. Thea Bowman’s Address to U.S. Bishops Conference, June 1989.
Sing out with Sr. Thea as she sings Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child at the 7:14 minute mark.
The video is just over 39 minutes.
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