The Faith Formation Ministry Group is coordinating an 18-month exploration of systemic or structural racism, engaging with a variety of media resources. Here are the next two:
- Nov. 4, 7:00 pm – Program Change. The link to OPB’s “Local Color” became inoperative and will not be restored in time for our event. As an alternative we’ll view and discuss a slide presentation entitled Oregon Black History Timeline created by Walidah Imarisha for a program called “Why Aren’t There More Black People in Oregon?: A Hidden History,” which looks at the history of race, identity and power in Oregon and the larger nation. Oregon has a history not only of Black exclusion and discrimination, but also of a vibrant Black culture that helped sustain many communities throughout the state—a history that is not taught in schools. Oregon as a state was explicitly founded on the idea of creating a white nationalist utopia, and in that way is a useful case study to see the mentality that nationally shaped the institutions that govern our lives. You may join the group at 7:00 to watch together online, or watch it yourself using the hyperlink above and log on at 8:00 for the conversation. To join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5036491282?pwd=ZFB5a3VLbzR6Q00vYzBkTzBITS9hUT09; Meeting ID: 503 649 1282; Passcode: 1282.
- Jan. 13, 2021, 7:00 pm – March: Book One by John Lewis (a graphic novel, $14.95). Graphic novels are unfamiliar to many of us, so this is an experiment in a different medium for conversation about a difficult topic. You’ll need to purchase or borrow the novel and read it on your own in preparation for the Zoom conversation. You may read more about the book and order it from Powell’s here.