It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself, and half-believed, before I was able to walk on the earth as though I had a right to be here.– James Baldwin

I’ve been thinking about the quote we share in this week’s email from James Baldwin, in the context of the service that’s happening this Sunday.  I’m struck by Mr. Baldwin’s description of internalized oppression- how deeply the messaging created by the dominant culture to serve the dominant culture impacts the well-being of people in oppressed and marginalized communities. 

This is one of the reasons it’s so important for white folx to learn history from the perspective of those communities, so that we can see and work to repair the damage done by the “white-washed” versions of history.  Nobody should have to struggle to believe they have a right to be here, and nobody should have to endure the harm of causing that struggle. 

I’m very grateful to have taken the “Black History for a New Day” class on which our worship leaders will be reflecting on Sunday, and I hope you’ll consider taking it too.

Karen

1/11/23