Racial Justice Discussion Group
With the profound outpouring of anger and grief in response to the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 we were confronted with the deep racism that still remains in America. Central Reform Temple of Boston formed a discussion group to focus on understanding racism as it affects all of us, but particularly in relation to Black Americans today. Our Jewish tradition teaches “Justice, justice, you shall pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20) We believe that coming together in the spirit of learning and understanding is our first step in this effort.
This group is open to all CRT members. We discuss a variety of subjects related to racism in America, including racial history, personal and systemic racism, and opportunities to act. Each meeting is distinct, and you are always welcome to join us. If you are interested in participating, or if you have any questions or would like to join us on Zoom please contact Jill Silverstein at [email protected].
This group is open to all CRT members. We discuss a variety of subjects related to racism in America, including racial history, personal and systemic racism, and opportunities to act. Each meeting is distinct, and you are always welcome to join us. If you are interested in participating, or if you have any questions or would like to join us on Zoom please contact Jill Silverstein at [email protected].
Next meeting: Saturday, March 5 at 9:20am on Zoom
Suggested Reading
- Ibram X. Kendi How to be an Antiracist - Chapter 4 ("Biology") (pp.77-99 in large-print version)
- Isabel Wilkerson Caste - Pillar 1 ("Divine Will and the Laws of Nature") and Pillar 2 ("Heritability") (pp. 101-108)
Questions for Thought
- How are Kendi's discussion on biology and Wilkerson's discussion of heritability similar? different?
- How has skin color (Kendi's biology text and Wilkerson's use of the story of Ham) been used to create 'caste' and cultivate racism?
- How are the holy writings/scriptures (eastern and western) been used to institute race/caste as an immutable condition, even when no scientific evidence of biological/genetic distinction exists?
