Small Group Discussion Surrounding History of Racial Injustice

Timing:

• Scheduled by November 15th

• Completed by December 15th.

Action Description:

• To facilitate small group discussions surrounding the history of racial injustice in the United States.

• We will be using Ta-Nehisi Coates’ article in The Atlantic “The Case for Reparations” as the basis of this discussion. If you have not yet read this amazing pieces, please do asap (it is also posted at the bottom of this page).

• While the title may suggest the piece is about giving “things” to black people, it is really an academic breakdown of the ways in which the United States has historically & systematically made it virtually impossible for black citizens to achieve the “American Dream”.

Steps for this action:

1. Decide on a location for the discussion.  This can be a your home or in a small private space in your place of worship. It is suggested to have this as a potluck meal or have some food/beverages available as this puts people at ease.

2. Identify those in your congregation who you believe are open to discussing these issues & have shown an interested in Ferguson, ending mass incarceration & racial injustice. *If you have a clergy member who is dedicate to this work, please be sure to include them as well.

3. Send an email to the identified parties inviting them to the discussion.  Sample email text is found here.  Give at least 2 options for a date & time and ask them to let you know which option works best for them – be sure to give a date by which they can reply.

4. Send a reminder 1 week before your discussion – reminding the attendees about the date, time & location along with a reminder to have read The Case for Reparations PRIOR to the discussion.

5. Download the Facilitator’s Guide in preparation for the small group. NOTE: The Discussion Guide is in progress & will not be available until November 5th.