You do not need to be a member of SJIA to participate, and we encourage as many members of the congregation to participate as possible.  An important piece of living into the recently adopted 8th principle is educating ourselves and opening ourselves up to thinking and talking about race.  The meetings will be for reviewing and reflecting on the content of the book in small groups.   

Recommended Resources

In addition to this group study opportunity,  members of the Summit community have submitted personal recommendations and reflections which will be compiled here in an anti-racist resource guide.  Resources range in length and format so that all can find something to suit their style and schedule. If you have additional resources to recommend, please contact Andie Mitchell.

We recognize the importance of listening to and following the leadership of people of color when it comes to anti-racist learning and action.  The majority of resources offered here should be created by people of color.  We have chosen to provide recommendations from Summitarian to Summitarian and to begin this task force as a group of white people because it is our responsibility to do the work.  We can begin the work of dismantling white supremacy within ourselves, our faith community, and beyond by educating ourselves and sharing in the journey.  

Non-Fiction Recommendations

 “So you want to talk about race” by Ijeoma Oluo (Seal Press, 2018)

• It is not easy to talk about race. While those of us who are white can go through life mostly NOT talking or thinking about race, Black people in America cannot. Institutionalized racism has a measurable impact on the health, wealth and safety of millions of people of color. This book helps break those issues down, and provides much food for thought (and action) in a down to earth and sometimes even humorous way. Some suggestions are given for ways to effectively discuss race (with the warning that you ARE going to screw this up more than once) and things to check yourself for (am I making this about me? Am I expecting a Black person to do the work of educating me?). She reminds us that although they can be difficult, discussions of race that come from a place of care and desire for change are well worth the effort. Later chapters dig deeper into concepts such as privilege, intersectionality and police brutality, and the book ends with a chapter on actions, both large and small, that we can take against systemic racism.
• “A native of Seattle, Oluo is the daughter of a white mother and a Black father. What impacted me most about this book was her discussions of her own mother’s understanding (or lack of) of the Black experience. As Oluo says, “For our mom, we [kids] were black and beautiful and smart and talented and kind- and that’s all that mattered.” Not until Oluo was in her mid-30s and already well into a career writing about and discussing racial issues did she and her mother have a discussion about the differences “between being a white mother who has loved and lived with black people, and being an actual black person who experiences the full force of a white supremacist society firsthand.” No matter how deep the relationship and the love between them, the lived experiences of these two women are not the same.” – Laurel Bernstein

 “White Too Long – The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity” by Robert P. Jones.

•  “This is a history of Christianity in America as a prime harbor for racism. Jones was raised Southern Baptist and focuses on that tradition, but the book also details the racist lines that have run long in mainline Protestant and Catholic communities in the United States. Anyone who finds sanctuary in religious community can sharpen their view by reading this book. There is no cover for racism like the myth of “virtuous people” doing good things in the name of god.
•   Because I am currently working for 2 different faith communities, I am not assuming everyone I interact with is an anti-racist. Jones’ book gives me good reason to pause and listen carefully when people attempt to talk about race.”   – Mark Weedman

Me and White Supremacy – Layla F. Saad

• This book is broken up into brief daily readings and journal prompts. Each section will walk you through important terminology that will help you to understand white supremacy, examine the ways in which you are complicit in this system, and reflect upon how to create change. The reading assignments are concise and easy to follow.
• The dismantle white supremacy task force read and discussed this book from January- March 2021 and would all highly recommend this title. It will move you from understanding white supremacy culture at a surface, intellectual level; to understanding your role in white supremacy at a personal, emotional level; and finally to committing to life-long anti-racism.

San Diego County Library Exploring Racial Justice Curated List

https://libbyapp.com/library/sdcl/curated-1086168/page-1

• “The San Diego County Librarians have curated a list of books (print and audio) by BIPOC authors in the fields of anti-racism education as well as other genres such as fiction, children’s literature, and history. They can be found on the digital platform, Libby.  In many cases there are numerous to unlimited digital copies available of the titles.  Read one (or more), and feel free to submit a synopsis and reflection to share with your friends at Summit! 
• Reading from the perspective of people of color has helped me to more fully recognize my white privilege and to challenge my white-centered world view. Since each author brings their own unique experiences, identities, and personality I have come to a better understanding of intersectionality. I am also less likely to rely on learned stereotypes or monolithic thinking. Hearing individual stories of people of color strengthens my commitment to working towards a world where no one is marginalized, discriminated against, or physically harmed because of the color of their skin.” – Andie Mitchell 

Children’s Resources

Preschool and Early Elementary Titles

• “There were so many great reading lists for children being shared this summer.  I used these lists to search the library’s digital collection and purchase a few new titles for our family.  Mary Carter-Vail also did some fantastic read-alouds for Summit’s virtual summer camp. *You can find these read-aloud videos in the February 2021 Scene at Summit Newsletter*  Below you will find a list of some of our favorites in three categories.  It’s important that children have the words to talk about race (About Race), be introduced to historical and present day racism (History), and also simply see characters of color in everyday stories (Black and Brown Joy). 
• In this socially distant period of time, Simon and I have immensely enjoyed reading books about children and their families, making connections and making friends through literature. Many of these books gave me opportunities to practice naming skin color and race, and gave Simon the chance to connect with a variety of characters. (For example, “He has brown skin that people call Black, and he likes to pretend to be a superhero too.”)  And from there we have begun to engage with books that explore the concept of racism and its historical context.  My child is currently 4, so these books are appropriate for preschool and early elementary ages.” – Andie Mitchell

Raising Race Conscious Children (Raceconscious.org)

• This website is full of short blog posts, featuring the actual language parents have used to talk to their young children about race.  A good place to start is the 100 RACE-CONSCIOUS THINGS YOU CAN SAY TO YOUR CHILD TO ADVANCE RACIAL JUSTICE post. 
• I found this website after coming to the understanding that the color-blind framework I grew up with was not helpful, and with the desire to raise my own child differently.  I have found it very helpful in building my confidence in talking to my own child and my preschool students using race-conscious language.  When I am questioning what to say or feel myself becoming reticent about this new practice, I can revisit old posts.  In addition, the blog hosts regular interactive workshops which I was fortunate to attend with a group of Summit folks.  It was powerful to be with other caregivers from across the country committed to raising race-conscious children, and also still learning and making mistakes, like myself.  The group practice sessions and modeling offered by the facilitator served to strengthen my skills and think ahead to how I might respond in situations with my own child.   – Andie Mitchell 

Sesame Workshop: Coming Together https://www.sesameworkshop.org/what-we-do/racial-justice

• Sesame Workshop released these resources “to support families in talking to their children about race and racism. Rooted in research and developed in consultation with experts, these brand-new videos, articles, and activities are designed to help all families celebrate their own unique identities and value the identities of others, while providing age-appropriate language and strategies to answer children’s sometimes-tough questions around race and racism.
• Our favorite videos were “Explaining Race,” (with Elmo!), “What is Racism?,” and the “How to Be an Upstander to Racism Song.” They did a great job explaining race and racism in a way that young children can understand. The videos were also a good way to open up a conversation. I was able to share with our child my hope that he will recognize when people are being treated unfairly and say or do something in response. – Andie Mitchell

Woke Kindergarten – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxzo9O9KDkM&ab_channel=WokeKindergarten

• From the Creator: “In this video, Ki reads the book they, she, he, easy as ABC, focusing on why it’s important for all of us to affirm people’s identities. They give really simple and insightful offerings on how to do so in a way that encourages everyone to expand their understanding of gender. This read-aloud is a great resource for families and kids alike, who are looking to understand pronouns and gender identity beyond the binary. It’s engaging, silly, and simple to understand for families, teachers, and early learners alike!”
• “This read-aloud series was recommended to us by another Summitarian. Ki takes time going through each book, emphasizing book parts (cover, title, spine, etc.), describing and affirming the children in the illustrations, and sharing personally. Their emphasis on how the names and pronouns we use make people feel seen and respected is a message meaningful to people of all ages. I definitely learned something from watching these, and have been practicing they/them pronouns with our stuffed animals. Our child also found Ki to be an engaging teacher and is now more aware of all the ways of being in this world.” – Recommended by Andie Mitchell

Podcast Recommendations

Uncivil – Gimlet Media https://gimletmedia.com/shows/uncivil#show-tab-picker

• Uncivil is a history podcast about the Civil War, its fallout and most of all, its lasting impact on the fabric of American society.  Ever wonder why there are so many Confederate statues?  Which banks used to own slaves?  This podcast explores all of these topics and more through its 13 episodes.  It’s the history of the Civil War that was never taught in your classrooms.
• “I listened to this podcast when it was coming out back in 2017 and 2018, and it still sticks in my mind as incredibly relevant, because it digs to the root of a lot of the modern inequalities and shines a light into the dark, unspoken parts of American history.  It will make you question the history you learned, and do your own research into some of the things you were taught.” – Tyler Mitchell

Do the Work – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-the-work/id1533252948

• “Hosted by Brian Kyle Goodman, this podcast features conversations about race between folks in close relationships- marriages, friendships, co-workers, and family members.  Each episode also provides an anti-racist education piece related to the conversation being presented.
• I like this podcast because it’s a bite-sized way to continue my anti-racist education.  While the topics are often still uncomfortable, I can turn it on to listen for a half-hour.  And usually once I start listening, I am drawn in by the warmth of the host and the stories being told.  As we covenant here at Summit to “stay in community while differences are resolved,” so do the people in these conversations centered around race.  And I am left feeling uplifted and inspired.” – Andie Mitchell

Clips and Movie Recommendations

The 8th Principle Matters to Members of the BIPOC Community

• “You can hear from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in congregations that have adopted the 8th Principle and from some in congregations that are working to adopt it. What is fairly consistent is that adoption of the 8th Principle gives us hope and a greater sense of belonging. Let’s not miss this chance to fulfill the promise of Unitarian Universalism. This is a recorded presentation for the 8th Principle Learning Community. “
• Paula Cole Jones and Bruce Pollack-Johnson, co-authors of the 8th principle, have been hosting monthly meetings to help congregations considering the adoption of the 8th principle, and it’s implications for accountability. This presentation was powerful for me in understanding the perspectives of some individual BIPOC members of UUA congregations. And the need to create a Beloved Community in which all people can bring their full selves and be nurtured spiritually in our UU spaces. – Andie Mitchell

13th – Netflix, Directed by Ava DuVernay (TV-MA)

• In this thought provoking 2016 documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.
• “This documentary was eye-opening to me in how our country’s justice system was built up after the Civil War to perpetuate many of the effects of slavery through other means than direct ownership of humans.  It breaks down how a long history of laws have been built up to maintain white supremacy.  The film covers African American disenfranchisement, lynchings, Jim Crow, the war on drugs and mass incarceration, and draws a direct line from the pushback from the 13th amendment to these issues that still affect us today.” – Tyler Mitchell

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Segments (TV-MA)

• Former Daily Show correspondent John Oliver’s HBO show started in 2014 and every week he covers the news, and does a deep dive into one specific topic, usually exposing the wide-reaching relevance of mundane details.  As it is on HBO, he does use strong language, but the topics discussed are well researched, entertainingly presented and very informative.  Don’t worry if you don’t have HBO, as the main topic is posted on YouTube the following week.
• “I was a huge fan of Jon Stewart’s Daily Show, and John Oliver is very much carrying the torch on from Jon with his style of smart, political and issue driven comedy.  Watch some of these segments where he humorously is able to break down the many ways in which our systems have been designed and maintained in ways to both support white supremacist ideals and obfuscate these motives.” – Tyler Mitchell
• Here are links to four topics covered by the show that are relevant to the persistence of white supremacy and the effects it has had on our systems of justice and education:
  • The Confederacy
  • US History
  • Juries
  • Police

Building a Community of Communities (Sophia Fahs lecture)

• Whether we consider faith formation, growth, social justice and/or dismantling white supremacy, Unitarian Universalists could use an identity update.
• Recommended by Ryn Corbeil

“Eyes on the Prize”- PBS Series (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/eyesontheprize/)

• “This is a documentary series that I watched when I was younger. It’s an account of courageous individuals during the civil rights movement. The related video footage was very powerful and stirring for me, as a young person from a relatively insulated & safe middle class background.” – Luke Solano

Dr. John Henrik Clarke – A Great and Mighty Walk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPTiiP3ZRA8&ab_channel=ShawnIsaac)

• “A documentary produced by actor Wesley Snipes. Dr Clarke was a self-educated intellectual and celebrated historian who focused upon Pan-African studies. This narrative partially covers some of the successes and failures of the civil rights movement. I was struck by the intelligence and honesty of Dr Clarkes opinions. His analysis does not necessarily follow popular belief and portrays a realistic viewpoint.”- Luke Solano

Monsieur Lazhar (available on Amazon Prime video)

• “I watched this a (very) French movie recently. It does not address racism exactly; however, I did find it to be very intelligent and hopeful. It addresses suicide, loss, grief and coping within a multi-racial / ethnic context. I found it to be a very human and compassionate story in that the characters (both adults and children) work beyond ethnic differences and address their collective pain and grieving.” – Luke Solano

Website Recommendations

Showing Up For Racial Justice San Diego surjsd.org

• A growing group of white identifying locals committed to educating themselves and others who hold white privilege, as well as showing up in support of BIPOC led organizations in the San Diego Area.  You can join one of their anti-racist learning pods, attend orientation and organizational meetings, and follow on social media to learn more and get involved.  Their website has a list of local partner organizations (a good place to start when looking to make financial commitments), as well as recommended reading, listening, viewing, and social media accounts to follow. 

Courses

Transforming Hearts

• This is a six session online course on culture shift and radical welcome. This course is “for individuals, groups, and congregational teams who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to create congregations that are fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity.” Thanks to a gift from the SJIA committee, this course is freely available to the entire Summit congregation. The next group session will begin in September of 2021.
• This course, with sessions that run about an hour each, was powerful for everyone that participated in the first run of it at Summit. The instructors are gentle and inspiring, but don’t hold back on the realities for trans and other marginalized members of our congregations. The course material brought us to understand at a personal level how gender norms effect ALL of us. And most powerfully invited us to consider how we can become a more radically welcoming congregation.

Beloved Conversations

Community Organizations

Organizing for Justice (O4J)

Organizing for Justice serves as the local organizing committee in cooperation with the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP). Members determine the local needs and priorities of First UU, other San Diego UU members, as well as other faith members in San Diego County area of social justice and represent our church at SDOP meetings. Topics of importance include (but not limited to): Community policing, housing, racial & cultural concerns, and local political topics. O4J meetings are held on the first (1st) Wednesday of the month on Zoom. Meetings start at 6pm, all are welcome. For more information or the zoom link, contact Isabella Furth. More information also online at https://www.firstuusandiego.org/organizing-for-justice.html

Community Police Oversight:

Local law enforcement agencies allow for citizen input and involvement in live (online meetings). Citizens can provide input and concerns on how local law enforcement is involved within the community. Below are local areas that allow for citizen input as well as the times they meet & agendas:

*La Mesa-Community Police Oversight Board: Meets the First(1st) and Third (3rd) Wednesday of each month at 4pm. For more information go to https://www.cityoflamesa.us/AgendaCenter/Community-Police-Oversight-Board-21 .

*Santee Sheriff-Community Oriented Policing Committee (COMPOC):Meets the second (2nd) Monday of each month at 2pm. For more information go to https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/government/city-clerk/boards-commissions-and-committees/compoc

*San Diego County Sheriff- Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board: Meets the second (2nd) Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm. For more information go to https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/clerb/ .

*San Diego Police Department- Citizen’s Advisory Board on Police/Community Relations.” Generally meets third (3rd) Monday of each month from 6-8pm. Please see website for more information. https://www.sandiego.gov/cab