ESF is committed to inclusion and dismantling racism on campus and in our communities.
Our commitment
Throughout history, the university campus has been the place for grassroots movements to affect change in society. We as a group of students, faculty, staff, and community members are committed to educating ourselves, actively working against the “isms” of this world, and showing up for and standing with people of color on and off campus. We can overcome individual and systemic racism as a community because we are already called and compelled to do so as followers of Jesus. We are committed to doing our part in this corner of the kingdom to bring about healing and justice. Black Lives Do Matter. The gospels tell us so. And our episcopal tradition asks us thus:
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God's help.
Below you will find resources to guide us all on this path of healing and justice as we follow in the Way of Love, modeled by our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
You are beloved.
Black Lives Matter / Winston4Peace protest, May 31, 2020 at Bailey Park, Winston Salem
Training and Resources
Anti-racism training through the episcopal church is currently being reformatted for online learning. The diocese of NC has offered many of these trainings - most recently, “Seeing the Face of God in the Other.” Stay tuned for more information as it moves to an online training and certification.
Watch:
Just Mercy
Course on Civil Discourse “Make me an instrument of your peace” from TEC
Listen:
1619 Podcast from the New York Times
Read:
Living into God’s Dream: Dismantling Racism in America by Catherine Meeks
How To Be An AntiRacist by Ibram X. Kendi
Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God by The Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas, Dean of Union Theological Seminary
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People to Talk About Race by Robin Diangelo
Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving
Bible study/small group guides:
The Way of Love Small Group Study
Becoming Beloved Community Group Study
Prayer:
Prayers of the People for Racial Justice and Reconciliation
Responding with love and activism
Love through Action:
Follow Winston4Peace (insta)
Support local organizers - Equity Forsyth
Support local Black-Owned Businesses
Join: SURJ, The Poor People’s Campaign
Support: Blackout Collective
Support/Donate: Black Organizing for Leadership and Dignity (BOLD)
Donate: The NAACP, The Poor People’s Campaign, Equal Justice Initiative, Bail Bond Funds
Additional Resources:
At Wake Forest University - Social Justice Engagement through the office of civic engagement
Curated list of resources from episcopal bishops
Additional resources from the Diocese of NC
Additional resources from the Episcopal Church