Dismantling Racism

 

National Day of Racial Healing

Tuesday, January 17, is the National Day of Racial Healing, a day set aside to bring people together to take collective action for a more just and equitable world.  

 

Throughout the week of January 15 - 22 and beyond, First Presbyterian’s Dismantling Racism Group encourages you to invite family, friends, and colleagues to a virtual or in-person gathering to start a conversation. We invite you to join the in-person conversation following 9:30 a.m. worship on Sunday, January 15, in the Social Hall.   Join us on Sunday and click here for more suggested conversation topics.

 

 

21 Day Challenge

Learn about the history and impacts of racism by taking United Way's 21-Day Challenge. This self-guided journey explores the impacts of racism on the lives of the people of Washtenaw County.

Learn more  at https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/get-involved-equity

 

 

Session Statement from the Special Committee on Racism, Truth and Reconciliation

The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, in consideration of 'A Statement from the Special Committee on Racism, Truth and Reconciliation' by our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), establishes the following goals for the work that is ours to do as a congregation:

[Note: words in italics are direct quotations from the PC(USA) statement.]

As followers of Jesus Christ, who loves all and calls us to challenge the unjust structures of church and society, we are called to work for justice and peace for all God’s people.

We the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor affirm that:

  • God’s abiding truth is this: every human being is created in the image of God and therefore has intrinsic, and equal, value and worth
  • As Christians we must be guided by the unconditional love that Christ has for each of us, no matter our race
  • Racism is an utter rejection of what God intends for humanity; insinuating that some of God’s children are less worthy than others
  • Now is the time for First Presbyterian Church to renew our commitment to abolish systemic racism and white privilege, and to work for lasting justice and equality
  • Relying on the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, we vow to continue to reflect and repent, to study and to advocate, to change and to grow and to work to achieve complete racial equality in our world. Black Lives Matter.

The Session is committed to addressing the inequities of Racism and Injustice through the work of each committee and all the ministries of our church

We call for our congregation to commit to engaging in the work and practice of eliminating racism:

  • To ensure that racial justice remains a part of our confessions and worship
  • To include racial justice in the Christian formation program for all ages
  • To continue to share the work of social transformation with our neighbors in our mission field

We call each member of our congregation to a season of repentance for its complicity in the horrific history and unjust treatment of people of color, which continues to this day.

  • To further their individual journey by reading, learning, dialogue and action
  • To take the 21-Day Equity Challenge to further our self-awareness, education, and action

We call for white people to recognize their privilege in society and engage in the work of eliminating racism and racist acts against people of color.

  • To engage in study and reflection on the injustice of white privilege individually, communally and as a congregation, through discernment and prayer
  • To engage thoughtfully and with sensitivity in dialogue with people of color
  • To examine the ways in which white privilege has permeated First Presbyterian and begin the work of dismantling these inequities

                                            -July 19, 2020

 

 

Last winter (2022) the City of Ann Arbor's Housing and Human Services Advisory Board (HHSAB) hosted an Affordable Housing Educational Series. This 7-session series was part of the HHSAB's regular meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month.

You are now able to view these sessions online, by clicking here.  The session topics are listed below (and when they aired in 2022).

  • January 13:  History of Public and Affordable Housing:  Racist History and Ongoing Impacts
  • February 10:  Local Market Discussion (on the U-M’s impact on the housing market and challenges to business)
  • March 10:  Affordable Home Ownership models
  • April 14:  Sustainability, Density, Planning and Zoning
  • May 12:  Affordable Housing Development and Supportive Housing
  • June 9: Affordable Housing Financing (Part I)
  • July 14: Affordable Housing Financing (Part II)

You can take Action Now!

 

Additional Resources:

Click here for Additional Resources for Dismantling Racism

Contact:

For more information, please email the Social Justice Action Group at sjag@firstpresbyterian.org