On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered what is now known as his “I have a dream” speech during the march on Washington. Those familiar with this pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement recall the power of the words Dr. King spoke that day and know that the message is still relevant today.
The Help by Katheryn Stockett is about black maids working for white employers in the early to mid-60s in the American South in the context of a secret literacy endeavor. Stockett’s book and its subsequent movie created quite a stir when they were released a few years ago.
Discussing racism is rarely easy. However, we believe the gospel calls us to dismantle racism. We must learn how to recognize racism, name it and reject it. Women of the ELCA’s resource “The Level Playing Field” can help establish a communal sharing of information. This resource’s content includes a group exercise and discussion starters that can help people make a connection between racism and real life. You can download the free resource.
Today we remember Augustine, Bishop of Hippo (430) and Moses the Black, monk, martyr (circa 400). This message was adapted from the “The Level Playing Field” resource available from the Women of the ELCA website.
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