Welcome back to Tough Mind, Tender Heart. Welcome to those who have remained with us and to those who are just joining in on this newsletter and wanting to grow antiracist principles/ethics. Our apologies on not having a newsletter to you last month.
There is terror and terrifying acts happening in Gaza right now. Furthermore, the entire region has been destabilized under the weight of Hamas’ attacks and brutality. As a Black theologian, my heart shudders under the weight of death and fear that many Palestinian and Israeli people find themselves in. Furthermore, I am surrounded by the ripple effects of the antisemitism and islamophobia that are taking place in America. I care about liberation and I care about every human being because they are precious and are to be treasured.
I’ve personally felt stuck. How do I embody allyship that heals rather than harms? How do I move with clarity to provide resources, money, and actions that can help people during this time? I confess that I don’t have a ton of answers. It is easy to sit back and engage with my life as normal. How do I show care and concern? Will my actions be deemed “taking sides?” I suppose this is where antiracism work really does meet reality. At the heart of antiracism work is the need for increasing education, empathy, intention, and allyship. (among other things.)
The truth is my heart has been crushed. Death chills me to my core. Mass death causes me to be speechless. How can I utter words at a time like this? When tides of war are rolling through many nations? When misunderstandings and coldness is becoming normal? I do ground myself in love. As my colleagues M and Anna pointed out at a recent meeting, rather than doing nothing, we can turn to our spheres of influence in order to go about change. I can educate myself. I can educate others. I can donate the money that I can. I am not helpless here. Overwhelmed but not helpless.
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).