USA
Dominicans Promote Racial Justice in the 21st Century Webcast
By Sister Marcelline Koch, OP
Members of the Sinsinawa and Springfield Anti-Racism Teams presented a webcast focusing on systemic racism. Sister Mary Ellen Gevelinger, OP, Sinsinawa prioress, welcomed those present in Sinsinawa as well as those joining via the Internet, noting that we cannot pretend that racism has gone away—that it is systemic within our institutions. She also echoed a challenge that this is the moment for Dominicans today to summon the transforming grace of our charism and to continue to preach for justice.
In introducing the presenters, Sister Tanya Williams, OP, recalled the two challenging questions of Antonio Montesinos: By what right do we still discriminate and disenfranchise persons and groups in our world? Are they not human?
The presenters included Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Joan Duerst, Sinsinawa Associate Barbara Johnson, Springfield Dominican Sister Marcelline Koch, and Springfield Associate Leroy Jordan. They engaged the audience in examining racism today, coming to a common definition, and understanding racism as a systemic issue. The evening concluded with a call to continue the conversation. The Resource Listing shares ideas that you can use.
You can also view it by visiting www.sinsinawa.org/live. (Click on the “On Demand” tab in upper right column, then click on the “WATCH” text next to the title “Dominicans Promote Racial Justice in the 21st Century.”) As of Nov. 16, the presentation has been viewed 130 times by individuals and groups around the globe.
Download Resource Listing (PDF)
