Racial Justice Group Blog
Explore thought-provoking articles, book reviews, and resources that highlight key issues in racial justice, Indigenous rights, and historical reform. Our blog curates critical readings, offering in-depth analysis and reflections on topics like systemic inequality, colonialism, and racial reconciliation. Join us in fostering education, dialogue, and actionable change in the pursuit of justice and equality for all
Book Recommendation: “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy”
This week’s recommendation is shared by Carolyn Nesbitt.
Emmanuel Acho is known for his years playing football (Texas Longhorns and NFL) and currently as a sports announcer with FoxSports. He can also be found on a YouTube series having some "uncomfortable conversations” about racial issues from his perspective. This book Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy follows his best-selling book with similar title, just ends in “….. Man.” So there are multiple ways for people of all ages to spend some time learning more about how to be an informed and effective anti-racist.
Land Acknowledgment a First Step toward Justice
This fall, Second Presbyterian Church is planting native plants along 55th St. and sharing the following land acknowledgement:
“Second Presbyterian Church acknowledges that all of our activities take place on ancestral lands of Indigenous peoples. Like many other properties in the Kansas City area, our building is located on the traditional lands of the Kansa/Kaw, Osage, Kickapoo, Óčheti Sakówin (also known as the Sioux Nations) -- lands that were stolen or obtained through unfair or dishonest treaties.
May our words and these plants honor those ancestors who loved this land before us, and may our actions serve to restore the vitality of their sacred lands for their descendants.”
“Brother Eagle, Sister Sky”
This week's recommendation is shared by Marcia Tammeus.
With Native American themes currently in vogue, and environmental awareness a hot issue, this timely picture book scores perfect marks in both arenas. The story is an adaptation of a speech delivered by Chief Seattle at treaty negotiations in the 1850s.
KC Hispanic News Celebrates 25th Anniversary
National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15-October 15, recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Locally, KC Hispanic News is one of the many contributions of the Latino community to Kansas City. The weekly bilingual newspaper, which has a readership of 35,000 people, is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.
What Well-Meaning White People Need to Know about Race
This week’s recommendation is shared by Josephine Njoroge.
This article reports an interview with Bryan Stevenson who is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. There are many points made in the article which may cause white people to pause, listen and take in more deeply what is being said.
Hispanic-Latino Heritage: A History
This week’s recommendation is shared by Ellen Long.
Please take advantage of a wonderful online resource created by the KCK Public Library in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. It only takes a few minutes to view the timeline and gain some knowledge and insights into our history.
“How America Fractured Into Four Parts”
This week’s recommendation is shared by Bill Tammeus.
This article from the July/August The Atlantic Magazine offers insights into America’s past that may help us see a way into our future together.
Three Podcast Recommendations
This week, Deb Meinke recommends three podcasts — Sam Sanders’ “It’s Been a Minute,” Rebecca Nagle’s second season of “This Land,” and “Code Switch,” NPR’s podcast on race.
The Use and Misuse of Race in Health Care
This week's recommendation is shared by Josephine Njoroge.
"The Use and Misuse of Race in Health Care"
“Justice Reimagined” Series
This week’s recommendation is shared by Bill Tammeus.
The National Catholic Reporter has begun a series called “Justice Reimagined,” about racial disparities in the U.S. The first article — about prison populations — posted June 1. The series can be found at the link below.
Justice Reimagined | National Catholic Reporter