The Just Life » Race

Race, Racial Reconciliation Facts

The Just Life — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:13:39 +0000

The Facts In America African Americans constituted 53.5 percent of all persons who entered prison because of a drug conviction (Human Rights Watch, Targeting Blacks, based on National Corrections Reporting Program data). Blacks were 10.1 times more likely than whites to enter prison for drug offenses (ibid.). Of 7,722 hate-crime incidents reported to the FBI in 2006, 2,640 were anti-black (FBI ...

Why Sunday morning remains America’s most segregated hour

The Just Life — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 02:39:22 +0000

From CNN’s belief blog by John Blake: “Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of Christian America.” That declaration, which has been attributed to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., used to startle listeners. Now it’s virtually become a cliché. For years, various academic studies and news articles have reported what many churchgoers already know: most American congregations are segregated. In ...

Race, Class, Gender, Faith & Nonprofit Funding Bias

The Just Life — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:58:37 +0000

This presentation examines funding biases of nonprofits across race, class, gender and faith. Research shows that while 52.4% of those in poverty in the USA are people of color, only 16.5% of nonprofits are led by people of color, and only 3% of foundation funding goes toward organizations that are led by people of color. Feel free to share this on your Blog or Website using the embed code link at the bottom right of the presentation. Post any comments or questions below after logging in.

“The Racial Undertones of Baggy Pants Laws” – a reaction from a Change.org blogger

The Just Life — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:40:57 +0000

"The Racial Undertones of Baggy Pants Laws" is a blog article written by Change.org Criminal Justice blogger Matt Kelley commenting on recent laws passed in certain counties in the United States outlawing baggy jeans. Punishment for such a "crime" can cost 93 days to a year in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.

Battling the Recession as a Multi-ethnic Church

The Just Life — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:17:19 +0000

Nearly every community in America is being hit hard by the recession and there seems to be no end in sight. It is great to see many churches and ministries reaching out to help. But, imagine what the impact would be if Christians of different ethnicities in your community were all working together to help during this difficult time?

ColorOfChange.org: Changing the Color of Democracy

The Just Life — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:37:52 +0000

Color of Change is focused on using the Internet to empower and inform African Americans about issues affecting them and how they can help. Started in the wake of Katrina by James Rucker and Van Jones, this organization works to amplify the political voice of Black America.

Why More Discussion Is Needed On Economic Abuse

The Just Life — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:50:35 +0000

In the movie, "Baby Boy," Jody and his "baby momma" Yvette are seen bickering over Jody's over-use of her vehicle. Though Jody often offers husband-like companionship to Yvette by taking her to work, he tends to take advantage of the freedom afforded him. This is because he not only takes Yvette's car keys without her permission; he is also seen throughout the movie running a host of miscellaneous errands in her vehicle. These miscellaneous errands includes "boosting"--or selling stolen merchandise--in her car, going to see his "other baby momma," Peanut; and driving his friends around in her vehicle.

Black Is…Roscoe Jenkins? I Don’t Think So…

The Just Life — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:39:01 +0000

I recently paid a visit to the Boston Public Library, and came across a pamphlet called "Black Is...2009." The pamphlet lists an array of suggested fiction and non-fiction readings, as well as DVDs that seemingly represent what it means to be Black. Though I was enticed by the title, I was also in a hurry. For this reason, I quickly grabbed the pamphlet, bolted out the library door, and walked back to work.

389 Years Ago…A Typographic Mashup of African American History

The Just Life — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:37:51 +0000

WallStats.com has just released a new poster, entitled "389 Years Ago". This "typography mashup", as they call it, traces African American history from three-hundred and eighty nine years ago, when the first slave ship landed in the American colonies, to November 4th, 2008, when our first Black President was elected.

Black is Good

The Just Life — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:03:14 +0000

Black folks live with their hearts. Wide open. Big. On their sleeves. Bleeding. For everything black. Everything. Black. Is Good.

“Being White: Finding our Place in a Multiethnic World” – A Podcast on Race Relationships Beyond Reconciliation

The Just Life — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:07:49 +0000

Doug Schaupp, the co-author of Being White: Finding our Place in a Multiethnic World recently spoke at the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) on ways to build justice through relationships across racial and ethnic boundaries in our lives and ministries. Also included with the podcast is a PDF with resources and discussion questions.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Just Life — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:33:25 +0000

To honor Dr. King today his sermon “Paul’s Letter to American Christians” is presented here for your reflection. For more information and reflection please visit last year’s post here. Paul’s Letter to American Christians by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I would like to share with you an imaginary letter from the pen of the Apostle Paul. The postmark reveals ...

The First Time

The Just Life — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:41:16 +0000

In December 1955 an overworked black woman from Tuskegee, Alabama sat down in a place on a Montgomery bus that was not her place. Or so she'd been told. She was arrested and jailed. She'd broken a law, albeit unjust. That was a first for her.

Not long afterward, a black preacher from Georgia helped in the effort to boycott the Montgomery bus system for their unjust law. He was young and energetic. And also new, with strange new ideas. He stood up and said strange things. He helped others stand up. It was a first for him. He had a dream.

“Obama bad?”: An UrbanMinistry.org Blogger’s View on Our New President

The Just Life — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:25:52 +0000

Whether or not you like Obama, I stumbled upon this article by a great pastor, John Piper. In it, Piper is talking about Obama making Christ a minister of Condemnation. It is a fascinating arguement. Read-

A celebration of MLK’s legacy

The Just Life — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:26:36 +0000

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of our country's most passionate and self-sacrificing advocates for ethnic unity. We still have a long way to go in building a less racialized society and a more multi-ethnic church -- but, we wouldn't be near as far as we are if it were not for the teachings and sacrifices of men and women like Dr. King. Even forty years after his death, his teachings remain amazingly relevant and powerful. I have included some "classics" as well as a few you may have not seen before in this post. I hope they will help to encourage you in your efforts to build biblical, multi-ethnic community.

Make Martin Luther King Day a “Day On, Not a Day Off”!

The Just Life — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:28:32 +0000

This Monday, January 19, 2009, is also King Day of Service, a Congress-intiated national day of community service focused on initiatives to keep the dreams and ideas of Dr. King alive in the community. So, give of your time! There are thousands of projects planned all over the , If you are looking for volunteer opportunities and service projects for you and your group to do on MLK Day of Service, search at ChristianVolunteering.org today!

Interracial Dating and Marriage: Does It Really Aid In The Race Reconciliation Process?

The Just Life — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:13:07 +0000

When one finds true love, one may believe that the love they have for the other person is capable of moving mountains. Because of this belief, they want to shout their love at the top of their lungs; they may even desire to demonstrate it through public affection [i.e.--hand holding, kissing and cuddling, etc.] Because this love is so huge, there may even be a chance of the both of them successfully challenging societal norms, including norms inherent within the system of racism.

Why many Americans prefer their Sundays segregated

The Just Life — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:21:56 +0000

CNN has an insightful article on the reality that Sunday morning church is still the most segregated hour in America. Read the original article here, or for convenience the entire article is copied below: Why many Americans prefer their Sundays segregated Story Highlights Scholar: Only about 5 percent of the nation’s churches are racially integrated Slavery, Jim Crow kept churches ...

“Demographic Inversion”

The Just Life — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:08:31 +0000

An article in The New Republic outlines the dramatic demographic inversion of the American city. This shift has profound implications for issues of race, poverty, and gentrification. Read the original article here, or for convenience the entire article is copied below: Trading Places The demographic inversion of the American city. Alan Ehrenhalt, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 Will ...

Obama’s Speech: A More Perfect Union

Brian Kammerzelt — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:36:26 +0000

Barack Obama spoke this morning in Philadelphia, PA at Constitution Center, on matters race and of the fundamental path by which America can work together to pursue a better future. Regardless of your politics the insight and resolve Barack Obama shows in this speech deserve attention and reflection by all. The issue of race and the role it plays in ...