“Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself, and it’s the only way forward.” -Ijeoma Oluo

It has clearly been a week of more trauma, felt widely, but particularly here in Minnesota where police killed Daunte Wright. Today, I realized that to write about the theme of Becoming, my words needed to be about the practice of becoming anti-racist. I emphasize that it is a practice because I have learned that anti-racism is much more a verb, practice, or action than a noun or adjective. From my perspective, one does not one day become an anti-racist by choice, but when choosing again and again to act from a place of integrity, love, and justice.

My heart has known the importance of this kind of work for years, since witnessing a family member spew hate speech when I was too young to understand the complexity of racism. I felt it before I could comprehend it entirely. I would sometimes tell this family member that they were being racist, before being met with absolute denial. I realize now that I may not have been using the most effective approach. Beginning the conversation with accusations rather than questions immediately shuts people out. Sometimes calling-out is important. Other times, especially when we have the privilege to, we might consider starting by “calling people in”, with thoughtful questions.

It has been a journey to unlearn assumptions, challenge microaggressions, question thought processes, and grow my voice. I have come to realize that this work takes grounded and humble presence. To exist in the work as a person of privilege takes the ability to admit when we are wrong, to thank people for helping us learn, and to embrace a growth mindset.

While my voice is far from being the most knowledgeable, it does not mean that my voice does not hold power. The same goes for folks reading this. When we witness ignorance, hate, and judgement, especially among people who we hold history or relationship with, it becomes our duty to challenge it. It is a privilege because it is not safe or fair for everyone to have these conversations. It is easy to feel discouraged, angry, and even resentful about the people I have known that appear stubborn and stuck in their racist ways. Beginning a conversation with someone, starting from a place of curiosity may be something to consider today.

May we have the uncomfortable conversations, stay humble, and work to build safer communities for BIPOC, today and every day.

I believe that uplifting marginalized voices is among the easiest ways that we can encourage others to shift their perspectives and gain knowledge. As I write this reflection from a place of humility, I suggest this checking out this anti-racist reading list, compiled by Ibram X. Kendi:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/antiracist-syllabus-governor-ralph-northam/582580/

Also, here is a free Black Lives Matter read aloud virtual bookshelf with tales for all ages:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18pOK3roiwPQ9WF7D2wA0o7Ktr8KwAJeZfn-o6O8T__Y/mobilepresent?fbclid=IwAR3D10Zexxa9yYjonnqA7b6QKZVmaeMQtn-e5uLuWmmw05m0N5GQABbvgoY&slide=id.p

Please know that I am just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.

Macey Forsyth

Please consider joining our private Facebook group: UUFM Children’s Faith Development (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404655806251029/). This group is intended for families and congregants who are involved in Children’s Faith Development. My approval of new members’ access to the information there is what makes the group a safe space for sharing. I will be sharing our weekly stories as Facebook videos on my personal page publicly and sharing them in the group, as well as short prayers and meditations.

Link to the stories: Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwWkbABO6HpDlw5Po2TdQA?view_as=subscriber

Youth Group: Our Youth Group meets this Sunday, April 18^th, from 11:30am-12:30 with both regular youth facilitator Lee Ganske, and new facilitator Melissa Ketchum, who visited and led an embodiment practice with Macey and a couple of our youth this summer.

Virtual Children’s Chapel: Our next Children’s Chapel will be held next Sunday, April 25^th, from 11:30am-12:30pm with Danielle and Macey. For our last session on the theme of Becoming, we will focus on becoming better allies to our LGBTQA+ siblings.