Annual Conference this year welcomed two special guests: Kamal Carter and Kyle Williams, the directors of a national program called A Long Talk that helps people figure out effective techniques for interrupting racism (or any of the other “isms”) when we encounter it. It’s no longer enough to “not be racist.” To really interrupt and put an end to racism, we must become “anti-racist.”
Carter and Williams did two presentations at Annual Conference—one an introduction to the work and the other a practice session. You are strongly encouraged to watch a video of the introductory session, here. (If the video doesn’t begin with Bishop Bickerton’s introduction of Carter and Williams, you can get there by forwarding the video to hour 3:00:30). Despite the heaviness of the issue it seeks to address; the presentation was fun, engaging, and motivational.
After hearing them, the Annual Conference passed a resolution that 100% of our clergy and as many of our laity as possible should participate in one of their free trainings, which can be done online with two interactive Zoom sessions and other activities and information you can do for a few minutes a day at your own pace. With several sessions being offered during July, you’re strongly encouraged to sign up. We’ve been promised that there will be additional dates posted in the next few weeks, but why wait? You can see the training sessions currently available and learn more here.
WHAT NOW?
I strongly encourage you to at least watch the presentation at Annual Conference (see the link in the second paragraph above) and then consider whether the skills they teach would be useful in your life, no matter what kind of difficult conversation you may be having. Spoiler alert: they will be!
Once you realize that, sign up for a training. I will be doing it as soon as I get back from vacation.
In hope,
Anne