Our ongoing commitment to racial justice

In the aftermath of the murders of Amaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, we have heard a renewed and urgent call for racial justice. This is a long-overdue reckoning with the racist systems that underlie our culture – in the US, and around the world. At Spirit in Action, we feel deeply that Black Lives Matter. We are reflecting, learning, and acting to embody a world where Black people experience abundant life, and where Black communities are strong and free. In our deepening commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and anti-colonialism, Spirit in Action is reflecting on our responsibility to: Integrate SIA’s African Advisory Board into our grant decision-making Support community-led African organizations and African leadership Update our grant systems – including applications and reporting – to move further away from paternalistic practices Examine our Board member demographics and understand our whiteness and privilege Elevate African voices , and centering their experiences, words, and priorities Always, always listening, growing, learning There are so many resources for our personal and collective learning right now, and I want to highlight three recommendations: “What I need from white people right now” By Adele Halliday, United Church of Canada’s General Council Office. (She calls on white people to Pray.Preach.Protest ) “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” By Peggy McIntosh, PhD “Ibram X. Kendion How to Be an Antiracist” on Unlocking Us with Brene Brown [Podcast] Ruthia Fuvu and her daughters at their home in Manyamula, Malawi. #blm #blacklivesmatter #smartrisks #racialjustice #healing