Welcome back to this space. How has the past month or so been treating you? Wishing a cool summer upon you, at least as cool as it can be, with the heatwave settling in countrywide.
The past year has been a whirlwind politically, spiritually, and emotionally. The amount of chaos that has occurred here in America has been exacerbated by a Supreme Court that has seemed to be explicitly set on rolling back federal protections for marginalized groups. It would be negligent of us here at enfleshed to host an anti-racism newsletter and not speak, even in a brief way, to the insidious ways that anti-trans laws, the rolling back of Roe v Wade, and the ruling regarding Affirmative Action have aided in deep unrest, bigotry, and violence. Additionally, states like Florida have been going out of their way to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work as well as declare war on “woke” ideologies. Recently, Florida has even gone so far in its war against the “woke” that it is implementing teaching that slavery was beneficial to some Black people as it taught useful skills. A. Mess.
As the chaos continues both here and in other pockets of the world, it has been my experience that many are experiencing allyship fatigue. (I am aware that many in the justice space have sharp critique for those claiming to be allies. The term itself has been watered down to a point that many self-proclaim it without anyone actually acknowledging that said person is in fact…an ally.) Those who have committed themselves to a liberationist ethic, vowing to pushback against bigotry and racism have grown tired in the waiting. Podcasts, books, and other resources sit on the shelves as some who were invigorated just a few years ago are taking some steps backward. While it is more than understandable to take care of oneself in justice work, it is helpful to look at the nature of who we call ally, the need for sustainability in our activism, as well as being honest with where we are currently.
When thinking about the hour that we are residing in, it is obvious that we need those allies (those who do the hard work with us) to remain steadfast. Those who are giving time, money, and thought beyond the latest news cycle. I continually go back to a resource from the brilliant public theologian Alicia Crosby as she lays out what allyship is and isn’t.
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).