When and in what contexts does an increase in the personal awareness of systemic racism matter?

    Suggested texts:

– IX Kendi 2006 Stamped From the Beginning, a history of racist policies and crimes from Aristotle to today. A key message: Racist policies precede development and rationalization of racist ideologies.

– Eric Foner   1988:  Reconstruction : America’s unfinished revolution, 1863-1877

            or Foner’s 1990 condensed:  A short history of Reconstruction, 1863-1877

– Choices of several books on the history of racism and support of slavery in churches.
Example: The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart

             – William Barber’s efforts and programs, as one of many examples for actions to counter injustices.

             – Lobby for government policies to improve the plight of the disenfranchised, no matter what race or ethnicity.

             – Green investing. Financial incentives might have more effect to aid disadvantaged people anywhere in the world than the things individuals do as a result of training to reveal implicit biases.

             – Google non-profit division exec – nearly every day doing something for inclusion:

                        Finance the darkest skin training set for AI-driven diagnosis of skin disease.

                        Push for support of public transportation instead of Google private transportation.

             – Applaud efforts by philanthropists who promote awareness, producing relevant documentaries and provide funding, e.g. the Montgomery, Alabama Peace and Justice Memorial of lynchings.

             – Do any of these provide inspiration for what our church could do?