Read it or Weep

In light of everything going on in the world right now, we’ve decided to pivot from choosing just one book to discuss for a whole month to sharing curated lists of books on difficult topics. Every Sunday, we’ll be linking books to help start kick-start discussion on challenging topics, as well as including links to local organizations that need your support.  We know that these conversations will be hard, and they will make people uncomfortable, but we believe that they are important to have.

To start, we’ll be looking at race and racism, especially racism that predominantly affects Black people in America. All of the items below can be  checked out right now from Hoopla with your library card and PIN – just click on the book cover!

Books to start the discussion:

Local organizations to support: 

• The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
• Showing Up for Racial Justice Northeast Ohio
• United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland 
• Urban League of Greater Cleveland

Questions to consider: 

• What is privilege? Who has it? Who doesn’t? Why do some people have privilege while others don’t?
• Name some examples of White Privilege.
• Where do these privileges come from? What can people with privilege do that people without privilege can’t?
• What is the cost of White Privilege for persons of color? What is the cost of White Privilege for white people?
• How are issues like education, healthcare, poverty, housing, and economic status relate to White Privilege?
• How are societal challenges like drugs, crime, failing schools, high drop out rates, and food deserts related to White Privilege?
• Why is it challenging for white people to think about (and do something about) White Privilege?
• When did you first realize you were white?
• How do you see White Privilege demonstrated in media daily?

Questions from Chicago Theological Seminary. Click that link to find their White Privilege Glasses Discussion Guide, which has many helpful links to further reading and discussion.