Resources to Empower Racial Justice
Structural racism was not built overnight. Facing such an immense and also deeply personal evil can feel overwhelming.
It is. But we cannot be paralyzed by inaction. People are dying. And have been for too long. No one is immune from the evils of racism - but we all find ourselves in different places of engagement.
If this is your daily reality, to our black siblings, know that you are loved. Even though the world might suggest otherwise. You are beloved, created in God’s beautiful image. Your anger is holy and righteous and it is a reflection of God’s anger.
If this is new to you, there are many options below to begin your journey as an ally. If you don’t know where to begin, start by picking one thing. It doesn’t have to be the perfect thing, it just has to be one faithful step. If you have been on this journey, there is always more to learn, to do, to grow.
New Action: Write your Representatives
Join the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in contacting our representatives in Congress to encourage nationwide police reform. This portal will start you with a pre-written letter, which you can customize, and send it directly to your representatives based on your address. Join us in speaking up for justice!
Do Your Homework
These resources are not in any way exhaustive. If you have any you would like to recommend, we will connect them to this list.
Anti-Racism Resources
Austin Channing Brown (Author of I’m Still Here) E-Letter
https://austinchanning.substack.com/
White Homework Lessons (Recommended by Rev. Lenny Duncan, Author of Dear Church)
https://www.toriglass.com/white-homework-lessons
Book Recommendations
https://www.scarymommy.com/stop-asking-people-color-explain-racism/
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
Metropolitan New York Synod Anti-Racism Committee
https://www.mnys.org/our-work/antiracism-committee/
Resources for Children and Families
Your Kid’s Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Round-Up
EmbraceRace: Resources for Raising Children
Learn About, Donate, or Take Action At
Color of Change
NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
African Descent Lutheran Association
Minnesota Freedom Fund
https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/
Twin Cities Triage Sites Needs/Requests - Holy Trinity Lutheran and Bethlehem Lutheran
The Anti-Racism Project