Racial Justice Ministry

We believe that Racism can be both blatant and subtle, individual and systemic.  We reject Racism's declaration that some people inherently have less value than others.  We are committed to finding, naming, and opposing Racism wherever we find it, including within ourselves. We believe that Racism can be both blatant and subtle, individual and systemic.  We reject Racism's declaration that some people inherently have less value than others.  We are committed to finding, naming, and opposing Racism wherever we find it, including within ourselves.  Email pastorsteven@kirkwoodumc.org if you would like to join planning discussions about Racial Justice.

ALLY TRAINING

You're Not There, Yet

RACIAL JUSTICE GROUP

It is tempting to believe that we have already arrived. We aren't there, yet. Being an ALLY requires training. 


Ally Training Includes:


SELF WORK

Being an ALLY requires doing Self-Work to learn implicit biases and surprising advantages. 


ADVOCACY

Being an ALLY requires using one's voice to Advocate for Justice in some way. 


FREINDSHIP

Being an ALLY requires building Friendships with people of another race. 


EDUCATION

Being an ALLY requires learning about Systemic Racism and the Black Experience in the United States. 


JOIN THE RACIAL JUSTICE GROUP

Our Vision: 

To train a community of Racial Justice ALLIES who live out that vision in their everyday lives. 

We will plan opportunities for Self-Work, Advocacy, Friendship, and Education. 


For more information: Email Pastor Steven


circleemail  Pastor Steven Blair


Racial Justice Resources and Learning Opportunities

Here you will find some resources that we've mentioned in worship or at workshops at KUMC. 

  • SELF WORK

    IMPLICIT BIAS COURSE


    Here is the link mentioned in Worship on Sunday, February 9.   Everyone has an implicit bias.  Take the short training offered by the Missouri Annual Conference here circlerightarrow

  • ADVOCACY

    Advocacy is one of the essential pieces of being an ALLY.  Here are some ways to bring about change by joining people already doing the work

    1.  NAACP of St. Louis County  Email John to join  jbowman@naacpstlouiscounty.org
    2.  MOEEP (Missouri Equity Education Partnerships)  Email heather@missouriequity.com
    3.  Kirkwood For Everyone - Join here  https://kirkwoodforeveryone.com/
    4.  Heart to Heart Tutoring - Email Verneda Carrier  vjrcar@sbcglobal.net

    5.  Your specific sphere of influence (job, school, neighborhood, etc.)

  • FRIENDSHIP: 

    GOSPEL ROOTS: A BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION

    PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 3PM AT FRIENDLY TEMPLE


    “Gospel Roots: A Black History Month Celebration” will be presented by the Community Gospel Choir on Sunday, February 23, 3pm, at Friendly Temple, 11221 Larimore, in Spanish Lake, MO. 63138


    "Gospel Roots" is a powerful Black History Month concert celebrating the Black community's rich cultural heritage, history, and resilience through music and song. The concert features uplifting gospel performances by the 60-voice Community Gospel Choir, showcasing both traditional and contemporary gospel music honoring the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans throughout history.


    This concert is free, but you are encouraged to reserve your general admission seats here: www.our.show/cgcblackhistory

  • EDUCATION: 

    HEATHER FLEMING

    AUTHOR AND FEBRUARY CONNECT NIGHT LEADER AT KUMC


    During the month of February, Heather Fleming is leading a Connect Night Class on Wednesdays at 6:30pm on Racial Bias. You're invited to join her as she digs deeper themes of Race and Racial Justice. Connect Nights include a dinner before at 6pm, and the class is from 6:30 - 7:30pm in The Commons. Drop in for one night or join us for multiple nights by registering here circlerightarrow 


    Here are additional resources from Heather to consider: 


    Her book, "My Black Friend Says" circlerightarrow 


    Heather Flemming's Website: circlerightarrow


    Heather's Facebook Page, featuring The 365 Days of Learning Series circlefacebook