RACE DIALOGUE RESOURCES
NOTE: Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mike Overstreet (mike@element3.org) if you have any questions about the resources below or if you would like any further resources on these materials. I have a number of study guides (both taken from other groups or created myself in some cases) that are designed for group engagement. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like any help in engaging in these topics. Also, there are a number of members from our E3 Leadership Team that have offered to come over personally and help guide a conversation on this topic, if anyone is interested in taking them up on that offer. Just reach out and contact me and we can coordinate from there!
BOOKS:
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- This book is a phenomenal, empathetic, and convicting look into issues of the death penalty, mass incarceration, and juvenile imprisonment in the United States. Bryan Stevenson is a renowned lawyer who has tried cases in the Supreme Court and across the South. A great starting point for any American who is looking to enter into the conversations of race in America or reform in the justice system.
- NOTE: Short-Term Growth Group on this book led by Pastor Lori Green begins Thursday, November 1st at Element3 Church. Email mike@element3.org if you are interested in taking part.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Mercy-Story-Justice-Redemption/dp/081298496X
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum
- A great book about the psychology of racism and the hidden ways that “self-segregation” and avoiding hard conversations can prevent us from growing as people. In particular, the author talks about how straight forward and honest conversations can be some of the best ways to overcome our differences and grow beyond our current issues concerning race.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Kids-Sitting-Together-Cafeteria/dp/0465060684/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527609154&sr=8-1&keywords=why+are+all+the+black+kids+sitting+together+in+the+cafeteria+tatum&dpID=51pSmczbnIL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Heal Us, Emmanuel: A Call for Racial Reconciliation, Representation, and Unity in the Church by Doug Serven (General Editor)
- A fantastic work that includes input from over 30 Christian ministers. This book tackles the issue of separation and justice from a biblical perspective, while tackling the American church’s issue with race (still one of the most highly segregated church’s in the world). In particular, it examines how Christians are called to transcend their surrounding culture and become ambassadors of God’s justice in the area of racial reconciliation.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Us-Emmanuel-Reconciliation-Representation/dp/099739840X
The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone
- A powerful book that explores history, theology, and spirituality from the lens of the African American experience. A great resource for those looking to engage issues of Christianity as it relates to suffering, racism, hope, redemption, and overcoming the hardest parts of the human experience. A profound book for anyone who is interested in hope and reconciliation in the face of hardship and struggle.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Lynching-Tree-James-Cone/dp/1626980055
Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart by Christena Cleveland
- An interesting book that seeks to tackle issues of division in the Church. As a social psychologist and believer, Christena Cleveland looks at how the Body of Christ has struggled so much with unity and ways that we can take a step forward in areas of division in the Church. Great book for those wanting to help heal division in the Church.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disunity-Christ-Uncovering-Hidden-Forces/dp/0830844031/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W4D65CT6EVPH5KRCABX2
Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism by. Drew G.I. Hart
- An intense book that I would only recommend to those who have engaged in conversations of race before (largely due to sociological language that may be misunderstood without proper context). I highly recommend that you consider reaching out to a member of the Leadership Team if you are interested in using this book. Still, for those willing to partner with others, this book was one of the books that really resonated with the Leadership Team. Hard hitting and gut wrenching at times, it really challenged us to re-think several issues of race through our conversations over it.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Ive-Seen-Changing-Church/dp/1513800000
White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White by Daniel Hill
- A strong and empathetic book that explores the process of growing as a person capable of understanding issues of race, engaging in racial reconciliation, and truly listening to other experiences. It is an easier read than some others and shoots for high levels of practicality.
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Faith-Evangelical-Religion-Problem/dp/0195147073
MOVIES (FICTION):
NOTE: Many of these movies by themselves are fascinating. However, if you are interested, I have compiled (or in some cases created) some resources (Going Deepers of sorts) for some of them. If you are interested in going through one of these movies as a group and would like some guided resources, just let me know! I want to help however I can.
The Help (2011)
The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete (2013)
A Time To Kill (1996)
Do the Right Thing (1989)
American History X (1998)
Amistad (1997)
The Color Purple (1985)
The Green Mile (1999)
MOVIES (NON-FICTION):
NOTE: Many of these movies by themselves are fascinating. However, if you are interested, I have compiled (or in some cases created) some resources (Going Deepers of sorts) for some of them. If you are interested in going through one of these movies as a group and would like some guided resources, just let me know! I want to help however I can.
13th (Documentary)
Fruitvale Station
I Am Not Your Negro (Documentary)
Let the Fire Burn (Documentary, 2013)
Selma
Mississippi Burning (1988)
SERMONS / TALKS / LECTURES:
Justice and Racial Reconciliation
- Focuses on how the Church should respond to racial tensions and how we develop empathy, proximity, and listening in areas of racial reconciliation. Great talk on the Christian response to modern race issues and how Christians can take a step forward and model reconciliation in our world.
- NOTE: Audio File available if link/video is not working for you. Contact mike@element3.org.
- Sermon: https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/sermons/justice-and-racial-reconciliation
Race and Justice: Saving Justice
- A very intense, honest, and gut-wrenching talk from a Native American born-again evangelical. He looks through the history of the United States and how the Church needs to respond to issues of systemic and systematic racism.
- NOTE: Audio File available if link/video is not working for you. Contact mike@element3.org.
- Sermon: https://bridgetown.church/teaching/race-justice/racial-justice-lecture/
Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America
- A panel discussion hosted by the Episcopal Church. Includes clergy, civil rights leaders, and Christian teachers. An honest look at racism in America today and how the Church can be involved in the way forward.
- Panel Discussion: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/state-racism
“Changing the Narrative” by Bryan Stevenson
- Sermon / Talk: https://www.trinitywallstreet.org/video/changing-narrative
WEBSITES / ONLINE RESOURCES:
“Equal Justice Initiative”
- Bryan Stevenson is one of the most powerful authors and activists today. He focuses on injustice in the justice system and how to help children experiencing mass-incarceration. Fantastic resource for tackling issues with our justice system in America.
- Website: https://eji.org/racial-justice
“Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide” by the Southern Poverty Law Center