fIn recent years there has been a drastic and dramatic push for anti-racist books, podcasts, and conversations. While the word “anti-racist” is objectionable to some, the phrase has gathered support in a concerted effort to be something more than just “not racist.” There needs to be something that actually dismantles those ways of being and systemic issues that harm both those deemed minorities on our soil, as well as those in the dominant class here…white Americans. Unfortunately, as time goes on, anti-racism has been flattened in many spaces as helping white people to understand their feelings about race in America, maybe even a history lesson…all while oppression continues. Further troubling is this seeming fear of talking about the visible and invisible ways that white supremacy manifests itself. Well…we gonna talk about it.
In this newsletter, we hope to bring both an intersectional (popularized by Kimberle Crenshaw, while there will be more on the lineage of this word please do some more reading here.) and experiential approach to moving forward in liberative acts and knowledge. One of the main things that we focus on here at enfleshed is “liberation for all.” And so, in that spirit, let us journey together in highlighting anti-racist resources, engaging in thoughtful exercises, highlighting actions for solidarity, and more. The hopes for this space is that it won’t just be a one-sided knowledge dump. Once a month this newsletter will be a small gathering ground that will center the wisdom of those considered “marginalized” as we move forward in a freer way.
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).