top of page
  • Writer: Patricia McKee
    Patricia McKee
  • Jun 4, 2020
  • 2 min read

At a crucial moment, one that may indeed give rise to a veritable sea change in the American justice system, I invite my readers to use resources endorsed by the Presbyterian Church (USA), a Christian denomination committed to causes like the one held up by protesters across our nation and across the globe. From the PC(USA) Store:


We at PC(USA) Store stand in solidarity with the protesters who are crying out for justice

—for George Floyd, for Breonna Taylor, for Ahmaud Arbery, and for all the victims of the

insidious racism that has infected our society for far too long. To all those risking your

safety by lifting your voices, we say be strong, and be safe.


Additionally, we believe that in order to fully support people of color, white individuals

must educate themselves, have conversations with each other, and figure out how they

can work to create a more just society.


In particular, I want to draw your attention to For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World by Michael W. Waters. The book's overview reads:


“Dad, what happened?” “Why are they shooting?” “What is this vigil for?”


The shootings keep coming, and so do Jeremiah’s questions. Dad doesn’t have easy

answers, but that doesn’t mean he won’t talk about it—or that he won’t act. But what if

Jeremiah doesn’t want to talk anymore? None of it makes sense, and he’s just a kid. Even if he wants to believe in a better world, is there anything he can do about it?


Inspired by real-life events, this honest, intimate look at one family’s response to racism

and gun violence includes a discussion guide created by the Muhammad Ali Center in

Louisville, Kentucky, a multicultural center and museum committed to promoting

respect, hope, and understanding.


So, please, visit the link below for free downloads and other resources related to anti-racism for all ages.



Comments


Patricia McKee, Ph.D., is the Director of Lifespan Religious Education at The Universalist Church of West Hartford and was previously Director of Christian Formation at Manassas Presbyterian Church in Virginia.  She was full-time Lecturer in Religion and in Public Humanities at Northern Arizona University, 2016 to 2019.  McKee earned her doctorate at the Graduate Theological Union in conjunction with the University of California-Berkeley and her graduate degree in theology at Emory University.  She is a published scholar, a teacher, and a stage director.

Patricia McKee can be reached at pjmckee0107@gmail.com.

© 2021 by Patricia McKee

bottom of page