The subjects of American’s original sins, slavery and racism, are today at the forefront of ongoing discussions in our churches and in our government. After the tragic murder of George Floyd, the streets of almost every city and town in America were filled with people protesting the brutality levied against black and brown communities by police. These protests were fueled by young people of every ethnic background and every hue under the sun. The diversity of these protest is something not seen since the Freedom Marches in the 1960’s and has given all who are participants in the struggle hope that the call for change will last more than a moment.
Today, I wish to share some thoughts expressed by Canon Leroy Lyons. Canon Lyons is a retired Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New Jersey. Additionally, I wish to recommend two books recently released. The release of Begin Again by the Princeton University Professor, Eddie Glaude Jr. examines the struggles of James Baldwin in his effort to keep hope alive amidst the cyclical nature of the struggle for racial equality and how this cycle of enthusiasm and apathy has promoted disillusionment and sorrow in our community; Baldwin calls this cycle a “litany of past betrayals”. Alongside this work is the book, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, which describes how ill-informed and how little invested white people are in the ongoing discussions of racist policies and their role in the implementation of these policies.
It is important we all become informed and invested in this movement for positive changed. The very life of the African-American depends on all of us understanding our past. The experience of the African-American is not a monolithic one; it is varied, colorful, creative, sorrowful, joyful, dangerous and inspirational; we are human. Read as much as you can; learn as much as you can and participate as much as you can.
Kindly direct all comments regarding Canon Lyons’ opinion piece to him via email to leroy.lyons118@gmail.com
Today, I wish to share some thoughts expressed by Canon Leroy Lyons. Canon Lyons is a retired Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New Jersey. Additionally, I wish to recommend two books recently released. The release of Begin Again by the Princeton University Professor, Eddie Glaude Jr. examines the struggles of James Baldwin in his effort to keep hope alive amidst the cyclical nature of the struggle for racial equality and how this cycle of enthusiasm and apathy has promoted disillusionment and sorrow in our community; Baldwin calls this cycle a “litany of past betrayals”. Alongside this work is the book, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, which describes how ill-informed and how little invested white people are in the ongoing discussions of racist policies and their role in the implementation of these policies.
It is important we all become informed and invested in this movement for positive changed. The very life of the African-American depends on all of us understanding our past. The experience of the African-American is not a monolithic one; it is varied, colorful, creative, sorrowful, joyful, dangerous and inspirational; we are human. Read as much as you can; learn as much as you can and participate as much as you can.
Kindly direct all comments regarding Canon Lyons’ opinion piece to him via email to leroy.lyons118@gmail.com
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