Racial Justice in America
As a continuation of the Season for Social Justice here at Old St. Pat’s, we are using February to deeply examine racial justice. What does racial justice look like? What does a healthy conversation on racial justice feel like? And just how do we achieve it? There are no quick fixes, but there is real work for us to do as people of faith who seek justice. We invite you to participate in this month’s programming for an introduction to systemic racism.
Where do I start?
Read: Racial Justice and the Catholic Church by Fr. Bryan N. Massingale
Stop by Hughes Hall after today’s morning masses or come to the 3rd floor of the Fr. Jack Wall Mission Center on a weekday in the coming weeks to pick up a copy at a bargain rate of only $18. The book can also be purchased online. Mark your calendars and prepare to share your thoughts and reflections at a book discussion meeting on Sunday, March 3 or Thursday, March 7.
Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation
Weds. Feb. 13 | Doors – 6 Program – 6:30 pm | 711 W Monroe, 3rd Floor, Room 25 AB.
How will we ever end hunger and poverty in the United States? Racial equity actually plays an important role. In the simulation, participants learn how federal policies created structural inequalities—property ownership and education are just two among many areas affected—and how these policies increase hunger and poverty in communities of color. The hope is that participants, in becoming more aware of structural inequality, can support policies that undo and/or reduce disparities.
’63 Boycott Film Screening
Friday, Feb. 22 | 6:30 pm | 625 W. Adams
On October 22, 1963, more than 200,000 students boycotted the Chicago Public Schools to protest racial segregation. Many marched through the city calling for the resignation of School Superintendent Benjamin Willis, who placed trailers, dubbed ‘Willis Wagons,’ on playgrounds and parking lots of overcrowded black schools rather than let them enroll in nearby white schools.
Blending unseen archival 16mm footage of the march shot by Kartemquin founder Gordon Quinn with the participants’ reflections today, ’63 Boycott connects the forgotten story of one of the largest northern civil rights demonstrations to contemporary issues around race, education, school closings, and youth activism. The screening will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Rachel Dickson, a producer on the film.
Fr. Michael Pfleger Racial Justice Presentation
Thursday, Feb. 28 6:30 – 8 pm | 625 W. Adams
We are honored to welcome Fr. Michael Pfleger to Old St. Pat’s for a discussion on racial justice and the role of the Catholic Church.
Fr. Pfleger will lead us through an intriguing conversation enabling us to:
• Develop and hone our understanding of system-level racism.
• Connect the work of racial justice to our Catholic faith & Catholic Social Teaching principles.
• Explore ways we can continue the process of undoing racism individually and communally.