JUSTNotes

With the cries of another murdered Black man, ringing in my ears – we say your name Tyre Nichols – I come to Black History Month (BHM) 2023 with some dread and ambiguity. I commemorate this time with a sense of joy as we attempt with determination to celebrate the great achievements of Black people in this country and I carry in my heart a deep, deep sadness.

2022 was a milestone year in the Church Within A Church Movement’s history! Please help us to ensure that the Movement remains strong and continues to move forward toward equity and justice at the intersections.

The Interrupting Bias Workshop was a labyrinth experience. One walks into a labyrinth seeking wisdom. In the center, one reflects on the wisdom that has been found; and then one walks out of the labyrinth taking new learnings into the world.

As an institution committed to breaking down all walls of oppression, including racism, I share these reflections using excerpts from our Anti-Racism statement as framework for the CWACM October Black Historical Summit to Alabama.

“Sankofa” – an African word that comes from the Akan people of Ghana – literally means “to go back and fetch it.” In other words, we go back to our roots not to stay back, but to move forward.

Immediately I felt a warm blanket encircle me when I began reading Vernice’s emailed invitation to come, to gather with our people in Birmingham, AL for dedicated time together at sacred sites of ancestral sacrifice.

Thanks to The Church Within A Church Movements’ sponsorship, 11 Black folk are gathering in Alabama, starting in Birmingham, to visit some historical museums and events from specifically the Black experience.