So let’s talk about the thing we need to talk about but many UUs tend to ignore: race and this church. The Unitarian Fellowship of Baton Rouge (it changed to church in the 1970s) was founded as an integrated congregation. In 1950s Louisiana you were segregated by default. Being intentionally integrated was important. The church did not have it’s first black member until the 1960s. To say it was integrated from the start would be disingenuous. To say it was not integrated from the start would also be disingenuous.
This congregation is unique among Unitarian Universalist congregations. First of all, it is one of only three larger churches (larger than 200, let’s say) that is located in a majority black city. As is noted in the congregational record, there is more racial and ethnic diversity in and around the city but the black/white divide takes up most of the air in the room.
The church is more racially diverse than most UU congregations: 30-50 people of color. The vast majority of those people of color are black. Even still, when you consider the possibilities of being located in such a black city, it wouldn’t surprise me if this congregation is the least diverse per capita of anywhere in the country.
This church has long desired a minister (or program staff member) of color – specifically black – for many years. Many - but not all - in the leadership have done enough work to understand what that means. Even still, if you are a black minister considering this job, I cannot promise you they have done enough work to ensure a comfortable ministry (whatever that even means). What I can commit to you is that I will work with you and the leadership to create an environment for your ministry to thrive.
“But what work have they done?” you might ask. Around 60 members of the church took part in one of the three Beloved Conversations we offered. At least half of the congregation have participated in Dialogues on Race – a 6 part, Baton Rouge based, systemic racism course offered to more than 50,000 Baton Rouge residents over its last 20 years of existence. DoR exists independent of the church, however a handful of members are trained facilitators. It was also started in the church before it found its footing in the larger community. Many in the congregation have participated in book studies and engaged in deep reflection on race within the church and throughout the city. Even still, micro and macro aggressions still happen with some frequency.
Racial work looks different in a majority black non-great migration city in the deep south. The racism is more over the top and noticeable. In fact, many white members of the church hear so many obtusely racist comments from family and coworkers that they (mistakenly) think they have overcome racism simply by not participating in it. In other words, helping them wrestle with racism is different than the so called bluer parts of the country where many white people's struggle with racism is more subtle and under the surface.
AR/AO work looks different down here. There is no SURJ chapter. Many of the people here – white and black alike – are exhausted hearing about how broken they are from outsiders with no interest in understanding their/our cultures.
Even still, the opportunities for deep and powerful racial reconciliation and anti-oppression work are quite profound. This church has a long history of empowered and visible black leadership. Many of its members want to figure this race thing out because they can see how it permeates every aspect of their lives. Many down here do not have the regional privilege of not seeing it.
Once again, I want to acknowledge that there are more racial, ethnic, and oppressive systems in Baton Rouge and the church – far too many to cover here.
This congregation is unique among Unitarian Universalist congregations. First of all, it is one of only three larger churches (larger than 200, let’s say) that is located in a majority black city. As is noted in the congregational record, there is more racial and ethnic diversity in and around the city but the black/white divide takes up most of the air in the room.
The church is more racially diverse than most UU congregations: 30-50 people of color. The vast majority of those people of color are black. Even still, when you consider the possibilities of being located in such a black city, it wouldn’t surprise me if this congregation is the least diverse per capita of anywhere in the country.
This church has long desired a minister (or program staff member) of color – specifically black – for many years. Many - but not all - in the leadership have done enough work to understand what that means. Even still, if you are a black minister considering this job, I cannot promise you they have done enough work to ensure a comfortable ministry (whatever that even means). What I can commit to you is that I will work with you and the leadership to create an environment for your ministry to thrive.
“But what work have they done?” you might ask. Around 60 members of the church took part in one of the three Beloved Conversations we offered. At least half of the congregation have participated in Dialogues on Race – a 6 part, Baton Rouge based, systemic racism course offered to more than 50,000 Baton Rouge residents over its last 20 years of existence. DoR exists independent of the church, however a handful of members are trained facilitators. It was also started in the church before it found its footing in the larger community. Many in the congregation have participated in book studies and engaged in deep reflection on race within the church and throughout the city. Even still, micro and macro aggressions still happen with some frequency.
Racial work looks different in a majority black non-great migration city in the deep south. The racism is more over the top and noticeable. In fact, many white members of the church hear so many obtusely racist comments from family and coworkers that they (mistakenly) think they have overcome racism simply by not participating in it. In other words, helping them wrestle with racism is different than the so called bluer parts of the country where many white people's struggle with racism is more subtle and under the surface.
AR/AO work looks different down here. There is no SURJ chapter. Many of the people here – white and black alike – are exhausted hearing about how broken they are from outsiders with no interest in understanding their/our cultures.
Even still, the opportunities for deep and powerful racial reconciliation and anti-oppression work are quite profound. This church has a long history of empowered and visible black leadership. Many of its members want to figure this race thing out because they can see how it permeates every aspect of their lives. Many down here do not have the regional privilege of not seeing it.
Once again, I want to acknowledge that there are more racial, ethnic, and oppressive systems in Baton Rouge and the church – far too many to cover here.