We are aware that our History has been negatively shaped by the sin of racism. As a congregation “We remain committed to the pursuit of truth in order to face and address…racism.” (2022 Chapter Direction Statement). Therefore, to honor Black History Month we choose to address racism. We invite you to join us as we honor Black History Month by addressing racism. As Dominicans we appreciate the importance of study and prayer leading to meaningful action. We hope that each of us can learn something to build peace between all races, as we pay particular attention this month to the contributions and experience of Black Americans.
Knowing that everything is embedded in the web of relationships, we note the reality of racism and its impact on all these issues. Our commitment to justice demands that we work to dismantle racism in all its forms.
~North American Dominicans Call to Justice
Racism can often be found in our hearts – in many cases placed there unwillingly or unknowingly by our upbringing and culture. As such, it can lead to thoughts and actions that we do not even see as racist or biased, but nonetheless flow from the same prejudicial root. Consciously or subconsciously, this attitude of superiority can be seen in how certain groups of people are vilified, called criminals, or are perceived as being unable to contribute to society, even unworthy of its benefits. USCCB Open Wide our Hearts, pg. 2
Click here to view the Ted Talk: How to Overcome our Biases? Walk Boldly Toward Them
Many of us are looking forward to attending St. Thomas Aquinas College’s Fireside Chat with Martin Luther King, III on February 12 at 2 PM. Click here for more information or to register. As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is a thought leader on the world stage, a peacemaker, and a negotiator on some of today’s most critical national and international platforms for social change.
Did you know?
- According to 2022 Census data, the average income for white households is $77,250 compared to black households at $52,860.
- The infant mortality rate for black babies (10.4 per 1,000) is over 2 times higher than white babies (4.4 per 1,000).
- When the defendant was white and the victim black, 21 people were executed, but when the defendant was black and the victim white, 295 people were executed.
- Black Americans and white Americans use drugs at similar rates, but Black Americans are 6 times more likely to be arrested for it.[
- The Black History Month 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts”. You may find more information and events at https://www.si.edu/events/black-history-month
Visit the Social Justice Resource Center for more information on racism and other social justice issues to help us link faith and action at https://socialjusticeresourcecenter.org/.