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Words like “racial reconciliation” and “racial sensitivity” bring feelings and thoughts, and most of us are not doing a deep dive into the conversation… but we can and it’s not that hard. In this podcast, Robby and Lee continue their interview with Tyreke Wesley about the subtleties of racism, how we can personally reflect on our own experiences and perspectives toengage in conversations leading towards unity.

Main Ideas

• There is a difference between equality and equity that matters in this conversation.
• Guilt and shame don’t help us move the conversation forward.
• It’s true that none of us were the people who established these structures that are negatively impacting people, but do we want to be the people who affect changes to them.
• Non-racist is not the same as anti-racist.
• Acknowledge that even though we grew up in the same country, we may not have the same experience with regard to race or culture.
• If we say we love Jesus, but don’t stand-up for people who have been mistreated or marginalized then we discredit the Gospel. They will know we are his (Jesus’) disciples by our love for one another.
• 3 postures to take when entering into a sensitive conversation like this:
• Don’t take it too personally.
• Seek to understand before trying to make a point.
• Be honest about where you are at and reserve the possibility that you might be wrong.

Discussion Questions

1. What is your own story with regard to race and relationships with people different than you racially or culturally?  Be as honest and real as possible knowing you won’t be judged or “fixed” by the men in your group.
2. Why is it hard for you to talk about this topic?
3. What does love require of you with regard to becoming more anti-racist?

Additional questions:

1. Is it ok to just “see no color” or see everyone as the same?
2. Are you comfortable avoiding the conversation and being “non-racist” or are you interested in being anti-racist and what does that look like for you?
3. Are there any beliefs from your story that you may need to change your thinking on? 
4. What would keep you from watching a documentary or reading a book to go deeper on this subject? Below are some suggested resources.

What does this mean (for me personally)?

What am I going to do about it (what step of faith is God inviting me to take)?

How can we help?

 Resources

Here are three resources that Tyreke recommends for learning and growing:

• 13th– Documentary about mass incarceration
• America’s original sin– book by Jim Wallis
• Teaching Hard HistoryAmerican Slavery podcast

 

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