#MennoNerdsOnRace

After a fantastic panel discussion this week, #MennoNerdsOnRace is continuing our conversation on the blogosphere. Below, I've linked to specific parts of the webcast that I found particularly interesting, but it's well worth watching the whole thing if you get the chance.

Drew Hart began by framing race as being both a social construct, as well as a lived reality. April Yamasaki spoke about race as too broad of a category, challenging the idea that both she (third-generation Canadian, from a Chinese background) and her husband (third-generation Canadian, from a Japanese background) should be lumped into the same racial group despite wildly different cultural histories and identities. Drew also expounded on how white cultural defaults manifests themselves within church worship contexts.

Tim Nafziger talked about how racial justice work should flow from the center of the church, and not simply be an add on. He also talked about the stroy of the cyrprinician women, and how Jesus listened to her and responds to what he heard from her.

Osheta Moore shared generously about some of her experiences with race, and encouraged white people to ask the awkward questions, the ones that make us feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, because they will lead to deeper understanding. She also explained "I don't talk about white privilege because I want my white friends to feel bad, I talk about white privilege because I want them to understand my experience, because I want them to know me better. Because as a black person in a relationship with them, if I have to hold that part of me back, I don't really truly feel known."

Osheta later continued to explains what it means to be an 'agent of Shalom' when it comes to race and privilege, echoing Drew's thoughts on whether the Church should get involved in politics on these issues. Tim encouraged us to engage with the aspects of our history that are problematic and to learn from them. And then, Drew Hart brings it home! So powerful. You'll just have to watch that part for yourself!

I was thoroughly impressed with Tyler Tully's moderation. He took such care in preparing to lead the discussion, researching all of the topics and panelists, making sure everyone felt at ease. I appreciated his attention to detail when it came to each aspect of the evening. Even his oh-so-offical moderator voice was impressive!

I also want to mention Chris Lenshyn, Ryan Robinson, and Robert Martin as great examples of white folk taking action responsibly for racial justice.  All three were central to making this event happen, working faithfully in the background, and doing much of the heavy lifting. They helped make a great webcast, and exemplified how white folk can take participate without recapitulating racialized structural norms. 

All this to say, this is an impressive group of panelists with much wisdom to share. What an honor to listen and participate with them!

"Yes, it's going to be hard. But we can do hard things with God" 

-Osheta Moore