THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION
The theological reflection this month is from Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper
LEARN
Choose one or more of the following:
READ
Book of the Month: When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw (paper)
Violence Against the Transgender Community in 2019: HRC has been tracking reports of fatal anti-transgender violence for the past several years.
WATCH
The Urgency of Intersectionality (17:58 minutes) TED talk with Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw Now more than ever, it's important to look boldly at the reality of race and gender bias -- and how the two can combine to create even more harm.
Outside Brother: The Life of Bayard Rustin (1 hr 24 min available on Netflix) This powerful documentary chronicles the life of openly gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, who, among many contributions to the cause, is best known for organizing the 1963 March on Washington, D.C., involving hundreds of thousands of people.
Why violence against transgender Americans is a crisis that’s under reported (6:58)
Immigration is Love: (3:35) In this video, diverse couples discuss the ways racism and immigration policy impact them in deeply personal ways. Their loving relationships are impacted and also are revealed as a source of strength and joy.
LISTEN
The truth about Juneteenth (12:48) June 19th is traditionally embraced as the day in 1863 when enslaved Africans in Texas learned they'd been freed. But historian Hari Jones, Assistant Director of the African-American Civil War Museum in Washington, D.C., says many are misinformed about the true significance of the holiday.
Audre Lorde Reads Her Poems (55:33) A self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia.
NOTICE
Choose one or more of the following:
How do your local library and city programs honor Juneteenth? Is there a Juneteenth celebration in your community? If so, who are the majority of attendees? If there is not a Juneteenth celebration in your community, do you think there should be?
Check out the demographics for the LGBTQ+ population of Iowa from the Williams Institute. What are your noticings?
ENGAGE
Choose one or more of the following:
Brainstorm with your family, or congregation on how your community can honor Juneteenth.
How is PRIDE month celebrated in your community? Are there any resources or special gatherings for people of color? Is there a parade or other activities you or your church community can participate in?
REFLECT
What stood out to you the most?
How are you feeling?
What action will you take?
Who in your family/community may want to take action with you?
PRAY
Holy God, like clay in the hands of the potter, you shape our lives and bring us into being, each of us, creative expressions of your Divine intention. We are people of beauty. We are people born from love. We are people who believe justice shall come. We believe we are part of Your dream – for the flourishing of all life. Bless us with confidence as we go forth this day to follow Christ. Amen.
- Adapted from enfleshed, September 8, 2019 liturgy notes
