Approximately 50 participants attended a program April 22 at Salem Heights titled “Let’s Talk About Race: A morning to listen, share and reflect.” The morning was co-sponsored by the Anti-Racism/Anti-Discrimination Task Force of the Weavers of Justice (Dayton Catholic Social Action) and the Sisters of the Precious Blood.
Adrienne Curry, the social action director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown, set the tone for the day by focusing on Catholic social action teachings specifically related to racism. Following her presentation, participants entered into table conversations in which they reflected on two questions: When did you first become aware of racism? How does your faith affect the way you feel or think about issues of racism and racial justice? For most attendees, the sharing of personal experiences of racism and faith insights was the highlight of the morning. The day ended with reflection time so that participants could decide on any personal follow-up action(s) they would like to take based on the insights they received during the morning.
A conversation titled “White Privilege” will be held at Salem Heights on Saturday, August 26, from 9 to 11 a.m.
– Story by Sister Jeanette Buehler
Participants of the program on April 22. Mark Moorman photo.