Resources for talking about Race
John Mark Wiggers • June 17, 2020

I believe that Christ calls us to see our unity with each other. At the same time, we can celebrate the unique incarnations that we are. It isn’t an either or reality. The truth is that the church that bears Christ’s name hasn’t always done so well with loving all neighbors. We have sometimes been the ones that furthered systemic racism. As people of faith, we believe that we can die to our old ways and be resurrected to new life.


That is some hard work! See my previous post about some discussions St. James will be having on Zoom. I am also including a list of resources that might be of interest.


Before I add that list I want to encourage you to remember that this work takes time. We can’t read all the resources and watch all the videos. In fact, stuffing ourselves with lots of information is a great way to numb ourselves from doing some real work in our hearts and in our churches, schools, and workplaces. Digest these resources as you can and do the work of praying, listening, and talking with others.

The following list was passed along to me. I am publishing them without links. I figured that most of you can source these for yourselves.


Racism Resources

YouTube

How to be an Anti-Racist, Ibram Kendi, Interview at the Aspen Institute.

Dr. Robin DiAngelo discusses “White Fragility.” Seattle Central Library


Books

  • I’m Still Here, by Austin Channing Brown
  • Tears We Cannot Stop, by Michael Eric Dyson
  • How to be an Antiracist, by Ibram Kendi
  • White Fragility, by Robin Diangelo
  • The Color of Compromise, by Jemar Tisby.
  • Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson
  • Feeling White, by Cheryl Matias


Films

  • When They See Us
  • 13th
  • I Am Not Your Negro
  • The Central Park Five
  • Rest in Power 
  • Stay Woke
  • 16 Shots


For Children

  • Two Eyes, a Nose, and a Mouth, by Roberta Grobel Intrater
  • Shades of People, by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelley
  • All the colors We Are, by Katie Kissinger
  • Shades of Black, by Sandra L. Pinkney
  • Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad?, by Sandy Lynne Holman
  • Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America, by Emily Easton


For Teens

  • Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram Kendi
  • This Book is Anti-Racist, by Tiffany Jewell
  • The Hate you Give, by Angie Thomas
  • Woke, by Mahogany L. Browne

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Weekly Letter, 05/01/2025

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By John Mark Wiggers • April 24, 2025
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By John Mark Wiggers • April 17, 2025
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By John Mark Wiggers • March 27, 2025
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By John Mark Wiggers • March 20, 2025
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Free Bell Concert

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Get ready to jingle all the way to the "Smoky Mountain Ring" - a sensational showcase of talent and community spirit! Join us on Saturday, April 5 @ 4:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, (9076 Middlebrook Pike), where The Bells of St. James will be ringing in harmony with several other talented handbell choirs under the expert guidance of clinician Brenda Austin. This vibrant concert is more than just a musical event; it's a heartwarming celebration of connection, inclusivity, and the joy of coming together as a community. We can't wait to see you there!

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By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers • March 7, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, We enter the season of Lent. Lent can seem very focused on the individual. For sure, we are called to consider our sinfulness and mortality. We do not stay there, but turn our hearts to God's forgiveness and grace.
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