Gentlebeings,
I start this newsletter confessing a lethargy and numbness that is uncharacteristic for myself. I find myself at a crossroads for this newsletter as I survey the politics and praxis of this nation. I am subjected to laughter, rage, and news of genocide(s) every single day that I enter the space called The Internet. I join the intuition of those like my colleague M, who has been reflective of how to write and create in this hour. Who feels the need for a shift. I don’t want to be noise. I don’t want to stoke hatred. I don’t want to be unhelpful. How can I possibly with integrity, write a column on anti-racism in a time and place that seems to take glee in turning up the volume on racism and bigotry of all kinds? I started this newsletter wanting to continue the work of dismantling bigotry. Of trying to signal to people that reading books alone (2020 was a wild ride) was not enough to embody anti-racist work. That the work is never done. I know now, or at least I feel in my bones that something is calling me to go deeper. How do I “do the work my soul must have?” (Thank you Katie Cannon)
“Over the last six months, I’ve been finding my way through a need to make a shift from my original intentions with this column. Every month, I inevitably find myself at not just a fork in the road but forks in the road of my writing. “Who am I talking to/with?” Each way of answering would lead down different paths – and so I get stuck.” -M-
As I wept over my confusion, a tender kernel of hope came to me. And I truly mean *kernel* lest you think that hope is abounding for me. I considered the new stories that are emerging every day all around us. The ones learning to say hard things when nobody is watching. Those activists who get out of bed every single day. The children. Church leaders trying to remain faithful, open, and loving. New songs being written. Gorgeous books. Flowers blooming. People loving and learning to love.
My primary work is involved in the world of academics. Much can be said about that world, but for now I will say that something that is oft repeated is the need to name lineages. How we attain and pass on knowledge. That such knowledge comes from someplace and someone(s). And as a son of Blackness I know that some lineages can’t be traced among clean lines. That some things we know and feel in our bones. How a song, especially the Blues, will evoke and create memories. Today, at least for today, I am consider the new lineages, the new stories, and the new curiosities that are trying to burst to life all around me. Even in the face of chaos. Even in pain. Today, my task is to cultivate a kernel of hope.
-Robert M. co-director enfleshed
Robert Monson
co-director
Robert (he/him) is a runner, musician, and a Black theologian committed to softness, contemplation, and liberation for all. As a recent seminary graduate (with distinction) and a current PhD student, Robert studied in-depth the intersection of Black Liberation Theology and womanist theology. Weaving together these two strands of liberation have been important work as well as other liberation based theologies. “How can we help facilitate community and provide answers to a hurting world that is reeling?” remains an important question in his work. While in school, Robert’s scholarly work was recognized and presented at various national conferences/outlets. Podcasting (two shows) and writing remain important aspects of his daily life as well as marathoning the latest Star Trek show(s).