CWAC Movement to gather in Little Rock, AR

“...what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (RSV).

Historically the Black Church has been silent regarding the current reality of the African American family. Seventy-two percent of African American children grow up in single parent households. The African American family is diverse with a significant number made up of LGBTQ family members. Yet, the church has refused to engage in dialog about the reality of the African American family. Discussions usually center on “Dos and Don’ts,” without engaging in healthy dialog regarding the current constellation of our families. This has resulted in unhealthy dialog, backroom discussions, media portrayals of hyper-sexuality, domestic violence and closeted identities.

This faith-based initiative is designed to be inclusive and to bring diverse members of our community to the table to start an open dialog for the purpose of listening, connecting, sharing, and healing.

CWACM has been invited to partner with New Millennium Church and other community groups to begin this conversation.

The weekend highlights include a diversity panel presentation which will include members of CWACM and will be moderated by Benjamin Reynolds, also a member of CWACM. Breakout sessions will include topics like: Decentralizing whiteness, self affirmation: encouraging one’s self in the face of multiple oppressions, inequity and the black family, creating safer space: how to be an ally for LGBT persons and embracing our transgender neighbors.

CWACM has been invited to bring our expertise in community building and anti-oppression knowledge and experience. We welcome this opportunity to be in conversation with the black church even as we continue to do our own work around oppression and internalized oppression.

The weekend will also include time set aside for other CWACM work; including work area meetings.

General schedule

Thursday, April 14 — CWACM Work Areas gather

Friday, April 15 — CWACM Work Areas gather

Friday, April 15 — Conference begins 5:30p – 8:30p

Saturday, April 16 — Conference 9a – 5p

Sunday, April 17 — Worship 9-10:30a followed by weekend debriefing. Depart at noon.