Category Archives: Antiracism

November 16, 2014 · 11:07 pm

Beyond tolerance

ToleranceThe United Nations has designated today as the International Day for Tolerance.

This action followed on the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 at the initiative of UNESCO , as outlined in the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon calls “all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.”

Tolerance is good.

Tolerance is important.

Dialogue, understanding and mutual respect are good and important.

But they are all starting points as we seek to honor and welcome one another as God’s children, live together as the human family, learn from one another, dismantle privilege and systems of oppression, build liveable communities of co-equality, and care for all creation, including the human creature.

May this day be a time to renew our efforts.

See you along the Trail.

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October 31, 2014 · 8:04 am

No Honor In Racism Rally and Twitterstorm Nov 2nd

Here’s a simple action on the issue of mascotism:
Not Your Mascots Inc
Hoopa, CA

Oct 31, 2014 — A Combined group of grassroots efforts will be rallying to TCF Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday Nov.2, in a collaborative effort to speak out against the use of the culturally offensive mascot and name of The Washington Football team when they play the Minnesota Vikings. Among many of the groups representing are Not your Mascots Inc and The National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media.

Not Your Mascots Inc has feet on the ground during both marches, and is spearheading the social media Twitterstorm in support of the protestors attending the rally. Those who are unable to attend the rally in person are asked to show support through social media using both #NotYourMascot and #NoHonorInRacism hashtags. Twitterstorm will follow directly after Thunderclap message is sent, at 9:00 am CST as both marches converge onto University Ave and proceed to the Tribal Nations Plaza at TCF Stadium. There will be one-click tweets available for the supporting Twitterstorm at http://www.notyourmascots.org/2014/10/31/nohonorinracismnotyourmascot-tweets/

What is Thunderclap?
Thunderclap is the first crowd-speaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together.

How does it work?
If we reach our supporter goal, Thunderclap will blast out a timed Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr post from all our supporters, creating a wave of attention.

Is it safe?
Absolutely! It is a one click setup, and only one message will be sent on your behalf.

Please join the following Social Media Thunderclap via Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr below:

We are a People, Not Your Mascots!
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/18004-we-are-a-people-notyourmascots

About The National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media (www.coalitionagainstracism.org) @NCARSM
https://twitter.com/NCARSM

The National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media exists to fight the powerful influence of major media who choose to promulgate messages of oppression. The impetus which formed the NCARSM was the clear case of media coupling imagery with widely held misconceptions of American Indians in the form of sports team identities resulting in racial, cultural, and spiritual stereotyping. The NCARSM was originally formed in October 1989 during the Chief Illiniwek controversy at the University of Illinois. The NCARSM has been reconstituted in June, 2014 in the Twin Cities.

NCARSM, while best known for its front-line demonstrations outside sports stadiums across America has been responsible for an educational effort which has made the issue of racial stereotyping a household discussion. The NCARSM takes a long term view of the struggle against hatred and disrespect. We are in a fight against all cases of racism, and against long ingrained willful and self serving ignorance. We strive towards the elimination of the misrepresentation and abuses of all people in sports and media.

About Not Your Mascots Inc (www.notyourmascots.org) @NotYourMascots
https://twitter.com/NotYourMascots

Not Your Mascots Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to addressing the misappropriation of Indigenous identity and imagery through the acceptance of mascots, stereotypes and racist behaviors as well as the harmful effect that they have on indigenous children and communities. The focus of Not Your Mascots is to address these issues through the utilization of education, social media, as well as community and media outreach.

Not Your Mascots is dedicated to using their educational and advocacy efforts to provide comprehensive solutions towards the eradication of harmful native mascots, stereotypes and cultural misappropriation. They are fully committed to promoting and establishing a common understanding of what it is to truly honor and respect Indigenous people and their culture. Through their efforts, Not Your Mascots hopes to stress the need for cooperation and unity between educational institutions, the media, like-minded organizations and the general public in helping to create a future in which we can all respect and view each other as human beings.

We Are A PEOPLE – Not Your MASCOTS!

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October 30, 2014 · 10:06 pm

Mascotism and the Redskins

I worked on the issue of stereotyping, caricatures, and mascots when I lived in Cleveland. Work remains to do.

gracejisunkim's avatarGrace Ji-Sun Kim

NFL Washington Redskins vs Dallas CowboysThis is my latest Huffington Post called, “Mascotism and the Redskins” co-written with Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Hope we can all work towards building “a Beloved Community where everyone is honored, welcomed, and respected.”

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October 27, 2014 · 12:30 pm

A few Halloween suggestions

The notices have appeared again outside the Shire.

“Trick-or-Treat in Morningside Gardens will take place on October 31. for If you want trick-or-treaters, please come to the office for a sign to put on your door.”

As Halloween nears, here are some dos and don’ts that make sense to me:

Do support Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Don’t wear costumes that demean or exploit other peoples

Do use Fair Trade chocolate such as Divine, Equal Exchange, and others

Don’t wear racist or sexist or tasteless costumes

Do prepare to give thanks for what God has done in the lives of faithful people (living and dead) who have touched your life

What would you add?

See you along the Trail.

 

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September 6, 2014 · 10:02 pm

Confronting racism in church and society

I had the privilege of providing the September 4, 2014 message for Linda Valentine, executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. I focused on our need to address racism within the church and our society. I am grateful to Sara Lisherness, Sera Chung, and Toya Richards for editorial input.

As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we claim the biblical vision of the day when swords are beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. Our faith in Christ compels us to work for a world filled with justice and peace.

The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, in partnership with other Compassion, Peace, and Justice and World Mission programs, helps Presbyterians witness and work for justice and peace in Syria, South Sudan, Israel/Palestine, and other places that experience conflict and injustice. We commemorate theInternational Day of Peace, September 21, a day the United Nations invites all nations and peoples to take concrete steps to strengthen the ideals and reality of peace.

We respond to Christ’s call, and the message of the International Day of Peace, whenever and wherever we work for justice and peace in the face of brokenness and strife. The killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the killings of other African American males, demonstrate the need for such work in our own country.

Such events painfully remind us of the ongoing reality of racism and poverty as well as the impact of the militarization of police forces in our country. Too many African American men have been killed by the police. Too many issues of racial injustice have festered unresolved, leading to distrust and fear, anger and violence. Ongoing disenfranchisement has resulted in hopelessness and despair.

Presbyterians have a mixed record when it comes to responding to race. We have taken important steps on the journey to racial justice. At the same time, we have often failed to sufficiently recognize and repent of our complicity in the creation and continuation of systems and structures that perpetuate racism. We have been slow to undertake the difficult work of dismantling systems of privilege and disadvantage.

This summer, Presbyterians have prayed and stood with the people of Ferguson, Missouri; we have witnessed and proclaimed the good news of God’s love for all in pulpits across the country. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, in partnership with the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy and First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson, is providing support and resources to the church and community through two members of the National Response Team with significant experience in public violence disaster response.

As we give thanks for these and other efforts, we need to continue the journey to justice and accelerate our pace. Resources are available to help Presbyterians confront and address the persistence of racism.

The Season of Peace, which begins on September 7 and ends on World Communion Sunday, provides a time to reflect on, and work for, racial and economic justice and peace. During this season, we receive the Peace & Global Witness Offering that supports peace and justice efforts around the world and in our communities.

A team comprised of staff from the Presbyterian Mission Agency and the Office of the General Assembly has gathered to identify further actions Presbyterians can take to address racism, the militarization of police forces, and poverty. Watch for more information and opportunities for engagement.

As our Brief Statement of Faith reminds us, In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. May we be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading as we share the good news of God’s peace.

See you along the Trail.

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August 20, 2014 · 8:27 pm

From a moment to a movement #2

Thanks to the Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia for gathering sermons, prayers, and reflections from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on responding to the killing of Michael Brown and the response in Ferguson and addressing the systemic racism which ensnares us all.

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August 20, 2014 · 8:25 pm

From a moment to a movement

People are more important than labels. Get involved in the movement for justice. A reflection on the biblical story of the Canaanite woman and Jesus by the Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia, Vice-Moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014). I am grateful for her words. I am honored to be her friend.

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August 12, 2014 · 10:28 pm

A prayer for #NMOS14

10604510_1455047228107493_7131459021695901671_oIn response to the killing of Michael Brown and others, people will gather in solidarity across the country on Thursday, August 14, to hold vigils and observe a moment of silence to honor victims of police brutality. Find information about a National Moment of Silence 2014 near you.

For those who are called to prayer at such a time, Mihee Kim-Kort and I offer the following for you to use or adapt or take as a starting point to create a completely different prayer:

Gracious God,
With breaking hearts and aching spirits, we turn to you.
God, have mercy.

Another violent death has torn your human family.
God, have mercy.

Another person of color,
another of your beloved children,
killed too soon.
God, have mercy.

Families, friends weep.
Communities question and rage.
God have mercy.

Have mercy, God.

Guide us
to see each person,
to value each person,
to treat each person,
as your beloved child.

Help us
to remake systems that diminish, divide, deny, and degrade,
to establish and enforce policies of accountability,
to turn from violence,
to end state-sanctioned police brutality and antiblackness.

Draw us together
to allow justice justice to roll like waters,
to permit righteousness to flow like everlasting streams,
to wash over all your children.
All your children.

This day and every day.

With breaking hearts and aching spirits, we turn to you.
God, have mercy.
Amen.

 

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August 10, 2014 · 6:20 pm

#NMOS14

10604510_1455047228107493_7131459021695901671_o

Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 7:00 PM, I will head to Union Square.

On August 14, 2014, citizens across America will gather in solidarity to hold vigils and observe a moment of silence to honor victims of police brutality. The New York event will take place on Union Square at 7:00 PM.

Posters and signs encouraged. No bullhorns. This is a peaceful vigil in memory of the victims.

Follow #NMOS14 for more information and to find a vigil near you.

See you along the Trail.

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August 10, 2014 · 5:54 pm

Show up for each other

The Rev. Dr. Neal Presa, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) participated in the orientation for Presbyterian delegation to the 58th Session to the Commission on the Status of Women.

After being in New York, he flew to Whitworth University in Spokane, WA for the Third Moderator’s Conversation on Unity with Difference on Race, Gender, and Religious Differences.

The Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz was among the speakers at the conversation. As always, Laura made an insightful, challenging, hopeful presentation on Power and the Black-White Binary: Forging Authentic Church Identities in the Midst of White Supremacy, Patriarchy, and Being “Other Asian”.

Laura provides the following summary of her presentation:

Being church together is challenged by the ways in which various church communities and individual church members interact with power based on race and gender, not to mention class status and regional identity. The church, particularly the PC(USA), includes people with diverse capacities for a real conversation. Through exploring the place of Asian Pacific Islander Americans (who in the PC(USA) can check either “Korean” or “Other Asian” for demographic information on some forms) and others dislocated by the black-white binary in church and U.S. society, together we seek a way to move forward toward being a church that allows for complexities of identity and addresses real inequalities.
A couple of passages should encourage you to read the whole presentation:
Race and gender themselves are not the problems obstructing unity. The problems here are racism and sexism. Who we are isn’t the problem, but how we live into oppressive constructs that separate us from one another is. What I will say this morning is part of a longer conversation we in the church need to have with one another, because even though we have been in this conversation for decades, we have yet to diminish our capacity to sin when it comes to relationship with one another.
…
Our conversation cannot depend upon a generic experience of racism (usually defined by blackness) or sexism (usually defined by middle-aged white women) imposed upon other experiences. Racism is not just about color. It is also about language, culture, colonialism, national origin, and citizenship status. Sexism is not just about how many women get to be heads of staff of tall steeple churches or directors of church agencies. It is about how we continue to think about gender identity and gender roles, and how those thoughts are embedded in our culture and our policies. It is about earning potential; church policies around work hours, compensation, and family leave; about how well churches minister to the lived realities of women in their employ and women who choose to be part of churches. It is about the culture of church leading change in the culture of this country instead of propping up legal and cultural patriarchy.
…
 
Social issues are theological. It is a theological problem if Christians believe employment opportunity for those with varying levels of education, immigration, the criminal justice system, gun control, political gerrymandering, disenfranchisement, voter ID laws, the financial services sector, hunger, poverty, and economic inequality are not the business of the church. These are things that have a disproportionate impact on the lives of people of color. These are the problems that keep us from attaining a shot at racial justice. These are the problems that shape our lives because we’re always negotiating with banks to allow our in-laws to keep their homes, or finding lawyers so our mothers can stay in the country, or finding people to write letters attesting to the character of our wrongfully accused sons, or looking for ways to feed our families. We have to worry about elected officials who don’t look like us or care about our communities. This takes up a lot of time and energy, and it is our faith that keeps us going. These are the circumstances we bring with us to church every single Sunday.
Laura also identifies resources for further conversations:
I have read Laura’s presentation several times. I will read it several more as I seek ways to respond to her invitation and challenge:
So if we of varying races, genders, and religious groups show up for each other, and if we of varying spiritual gifts show up for each other, maybe that is a way of finding how to be authentically church. Maybe that is how we can create change.
See you along the Trail.

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