Hansen Wendlandt, Nederland. Over these last two months, America has been undergoing a racial awakening, with so many white people reading more about racism and allowing their presumptions to be challenged. Some organizations have made remarkable changes, and there are calls for so many vital steps toward a more perfect union, where people of color can live with a more genuine equality. Alongside all the countless other things we can do for that goal, you have an opportunity to join your neighbors in one small act that could help shape a healthier Nederland community.

Nederland Community Church, along with our partners at St Rita’s and Calvary Chapel, invite you to a town-wide training, Anti-Racist Allyship. It is not enough simply to not engage in paradigmatic racist actions, but today we have all been called to challenge the attitudes and systems that permeate our world. We are called to be anti-racist, in our hearts, in our actions, and in the ways we make our world and this little corner of it. How can we bring empathy and equity to bear on compassion and justice? How can we uncover the brokenness and point toward real healing? 

Regan Byrd is a Denver-based consultant for anti-oppression. She has led communities in workshops of many kinds, and we are thrilled that she can lead a Zoom event for our community, on July 30, 2020, at 6 p.m. We have room for 100 participants, so it’s important to register early! Reach out to Rev Hansen Wendlandt (ncpcpastor@gmail.com) to get the sign up information, or to ask any questions about the event.

(Originally published in the July 23, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)