Embracing important conversations in rural Iowa
on race and racism

FRIDAY, MAY 7

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Register here

Dr. Kesho Scott Associate Professor of American Studies and Sociology Grinnell College

Conversations on race and racism can be difficult and uncomfortable, perhaps even more so in rural Iowa. However, Dr. Kesho Scott, Associate Professor of American Studies and Sociology at Grinnell College, is embracing the conversation and encouraging others to do likewise. Dr. Scott will join us for Intersections/Crossroads to talk about how she approaches the conversation and may even share some “aha moments” she has witnessed in those conversations. Join us May 7 to hear what she has learned about Iowa and Iowans as well as what work we need to be doing in these times. And perhaps a takeaway will be how we can each use Dr. Scott’s approach in our own hard conversations with others regarding race, racism, and ultimately becoming anti-racist.

Please register in advance for Intersections/Crossroads. A confirmation email including the link to join will be sent to you once you register. All are welcome to attend.

Beyond Black History Month:
Faithful Voices for Racial Justice

Observing Black History Month throughout February is a good thing, for the most part. Unfortunately, it is used by some as an opportunity to pat themselves on the back and then move to the next thing and the next. Racial justice work and addressing systemic racism is a lifelong commitment.

There are many, many meaningful paths in addressing racism, both learning about and taking action.

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is in this work for the long haul and we hope you are, too. You can find a lot of great information and resources on our Faithful Voices for Racial Justice website: www.faithful-voices.org.

We encourage you to hold a community conversation in your own community of faith, work place, or organization on what it means to be anti-racist. Commit as a community to reading, for example, Ibram X. Kendi’s book, How to Be an Anti-Racist, to guide the conversation.

Another idea is to create a study or discussion group utilizing any of these resources provided by different faith and social justice organizations:

Anti-Defamation League

Beloved Community Initiative

Center for Social Ministry

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

JustFaith

Presbyterian Church (USA)

United Church of Christ – Let’s Talk

United Church of Christ – Justice and Advocacy

United Church of Christ – Sacred Conversations (Videos)

United Church of Christ – Sacred Conversations (Resource Guide)

United Methodist Church

There are many other ideas on the FVRJ website relating to how you can engage in the work to dismantle racism, or you may come up with your own way. Whatever it may be, the important thing is to find your path, engage in conversation, and be active in the work to address racism in our nation and communities.

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Does your community or organization host an online forum and need a speaker?

Let Interfaith Alliance of Iowa know! We would love to connect and find out what topic might interest your group. Email connie@interfaithallianceiowa.org.

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The American Purpose: A Web Series
from Interfaith Alliance

Pollsters Whit Ayres and Stan Greenberg join Rabbi Jack Moline on this week's episode of The American Purpose to discuss our nation's founding principles and how we can draw from them to create a better, more just society. Tune in: bit.ly/300tXph.

The American Purpose airs a new episode every Wednesday at 1:00 PM ET on Facebook Live. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3jFqfdJ.

From the Center for Social Ministry

Faith & Racial Equity: Exploring Power & Privilege

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The eight-week program awakens small groups to economic systems, public policies, cultural norms, and hidden biases that empower some and oppress others. As with all JustFaith programs, participants will explore how their faith should inform their response to their learning, as well as discern action steps for working toward racial equity in their own communities. The online program will be available on Tuesday evenings beginning April 20 or Thursday evenings beginning April 29 from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Faith & Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice & Restoration

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Do you long for a space to ask hard questions about the history of racism? JustFaith Ministries' NEW module, Faith & Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice and Restoration, is an eight-week module that guides participants in telling the truth about the history of racism and violence in the United States, that we might work toward true reconciliation with God and restoration with one another. The online program will be available Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM beginning April 18.