Antiracism
There are a number of opportunities in and around the Diocese of New York to learn, discuss, and grow in issues around antiracism, diversity, U.S. history, and the church’s role in racism. Among these various opportunities, here are three ways of discussing Ibram X. Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist.
1. Participate in a book discussion among Church of the Holy Trinity parishioners. We will offer three parish-based conversations on the book through Zoom. The rector will be facilitating the discussions, based on questions suggested by the Diocese. We ask that only persons who have read the book participate in these discussions. Our discussions will be on Thursday, September 17, 7pm to 8pm; Sunday, September 27, 4pm to 5pm, and Thursday, October 8, 7pm to 8pm.
Zoom link for the discussion online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8753617165
The password is the (8 digit, with no separating characters) numerical version of: eighteen ninety-nine two thousand nineteen.
2. Volunteer to be in up to three online discussions that involves others from various parishes around the Diocese of New York. Please email the rector by September 10 to have your name included. Names will be forwarded to the Diocesan Committee on Anti-Racism for their organization into groups and meeting times. We are only allowed 3 to 5 people from each parish, so if there are more who are interested, we will split up how many of the three online gatherings each person might attend.
3. Meet the author (online). On October 22, 2020 (details to follow), Ibram X. Kendi will discuss his journey of discovery, answer your questions, and reflect on the nationwide movement toward antiracism that his writings have helped to fuel. There are still copies of the book available in the back of the church. If you are not able to attend church but would like a copy, just let us know and we will get one to you. You can also order your own from an online book distributor or download an electronic version.
More Resources from the Diocese of New York
SELECTED VIDEOS
'How to be an antiracist' (18 minutes). An interview with Christiane Amanpour on her acclaimed PBS show Amanpour & Company.
'Why ending racial injustice would benefit white people' (12 minutes). An interview with host Stephen Colbert on A Late Show.
'Stamped From the Beginning' (15 minutes). Kendi speaks about his first bestselling book, a surprising history of racist ideas in America.
RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER READING
Ibram X. Kendi's antiracist reading list. From the New York Times, a list of sixteen books--classics, little-known gems, and recent masterworks--that helped to shape Kendi's own understanding and that can serve as "a stepladder to antiracism" for others who are eager to learn.
The Schomburg Center Black Liberation Reading List. 95 books chosen by the librarians at the world's leading institution for research into Black history and culture.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
People and groups taking the same journey.
Many organizations, both faith-based and secular, have committed to traveling the same road of antiracism that you are now beginning to explore. Here are links you can follow to discover what they have to offer.
Diocese of New York Anti-Racism Initiatives. Learn about antiracism workshops, the work of the Diocesan Reparations Committee, and the Black Presence project, which traces the experience of African-Americans in diocese of New York from colonial times to the present.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers a great assortment of learning resources for people and groups of all ages and at every stage along the antiracist journey.
Historic Hudson Valley has dedicated its resources to documenting the story of slavery in the North. Visit HHV's website and view "People Not Property," a powerful documentary that introduces adults, students, educators, and citizens to this neglected truth of American history.