Most people currently dismantling racism believe that if we don’t do everything we can right now to create an antiracist society, we will regret it for the rest of our lives. I’ve been part of the Becoming Beloved Community work in this diocese for the past two years, cultivating the community God wants for all of God’s children. No matter how frustrating this work can be, I remember my ancestors and elders and what I want for my girls, and I keep going.
Along the way, I discerned that I could best do this work by using my gifts as a teacher and storyteller. Thanks to a Becoming Beloved Community mini-grant, I’ve created a comprehensive list of excellent picture books for all ages about the history and present-day lives of African Americans.
In the video linked below, I read the book The Undefeated, a multi-award-winning picture book. Nia, Kaia, and Jaiya and lots of friends on Facebook and I enjoyed an in-depth conversation about the book. The girls had never read the book before, so it was just like my Sands Montessori librarian days with the girls as my students.
I plan to work with congregations in the diocese and across the country using picture books to prepare folks for the hard work of racial justice. How can we, the church, show our neighbors that we truly follow Jesus? We can’t go into this work with passion only – we also need knowledge. I’ll offer more opportunities for reading and reflection – I hope you’ll join us!
link to the video:
link to booklist:
