Manifesting a Summer of Racial Justice

August 2024

Dear Beloved Racial Justice Advocates,

It is unbelievable that I am saying this, but as we begin to bring this summer to an end, I am looking forward to  our journey together and filled with a profound sense of purpose and commitment. This fall will offer us an opportunity to deepen our work for racial justice.

That said, Justice doesn’t wait for us or follow a calendar to manifest a summer that embodies the principles of equity, love, and transformative action. Our UURJ community is uniquely positioned to lead with courage and compassion in the fight against systemic racism and injustice today and everyday.

Racial justice is not a destination, but a continuous journey. It requires us to be vigilant, to educate ourselves and others, and to actively dismantle the structures of oppression that harm our communities. This summer and over the next month, I invite each of you to reflect on how you can contribute to this vital work, using your unique gifts and perspectives to create lasting change. We will be sharing “31 Days of Saving Democracy: Get Out the Vote” presented by UU Justice Ministry of California (www.uujmca.org). Please check out this series to learn more about racial and other inequalities in voting, as well as the issues at hand, and how to get involved.

Our efforts must be intersectional, recognizing that the struggles against racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of oppression are interconnected. By addressing these issues together, we can build a more just and inclusive society for all.

In manifesting a summer of racial justice, please plan to attend our Care for Activists in Liberation Movements (CALM) Celebration with Antoinette Scully, August 18th @ 6pm MT via ZOOM. We will also be kicking off the Fall on Sunday, September 22nd @11am MT with a very special joint service with The Rev Jen Simon, The Rev Joseph Santos Lyons, and I will be leading Worship at Jefferson Unitarian Church (Golden, CO), (www.jeffersonunitarian.org). Please join us online or in person!

As we move through this summer, let’s commit to:

• Educating Ourselves and Others by engaging  in continuous learning about the histories and experiences of marginalized communities.
• Amplifying Marginalized Voices by centering the stories of those most affected by racial injustice.
• Building Inclusive Communities by working to make our spaces, both physical and virtual, welcoming and accessible to all.
• Taking Concrete Actions to move beyond words to tangible actions.

This summer, let us channel our collective energy into building a future rooted in justice, equity, and love. Your leadership and dedication are crucial to this vision. Together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive, free from the burdens of racism and oppression. 

If you are interested in participating in UURJ leadership, I would love to know! We are currently developing a new team of racial justice and anti-racism advocates to assist with community assessments, serve as liaisons with The Mountain Top UU, and developing our next phase of relationship based community organizing.

If I don’t meet up with you between now and then, I look forward to having you bring your thoughts, concerns, and questions to our next UURJ Community Conversation on Wednesday, September 25th @6pm MT via ZOOM. If you would like to meet, please feel free to stop by our Virtual Office Mon – Thur 9-1pm MT via Google Meet.

In solidarity and hope,

AJ
Pastor AJ Blackwood
Community Minister
UUs for Racial Justice