As someone who works in racial justice, Black History Month is one of my busiest times. There is always a wonderful programme of events to attend, so many opportunities to celebrate and not enough time to experience it all. This year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, an opportunity to remember the legacy this work is built on and be encouraged to continue seeking justice, to stand together in collaboration in the midst of a divided world.
The work of racial justice is rooted in seeking peace and reconciliation but it doesn’t always seem peaceful. It can be disruptive, conspiratorial, confronting. It’s an exercise in standing firm, living courageously and learning to celebrate along the journey.
Peace and reconciliation require risk
Early in my role at Liverpool Diocese I remember a conversation with my line manager about the challenges I was likely to face and was a little surprised when she told me that the biggest challenge to the work was likely to be me! She pointed out that placing a Black British woman of Jamaican heritage in a historically White British institution to encourage and empower cultural change was probably going to create some disruption.
When we work for peace, it disrupts the norm. It challenges us as individuals and communities to do the difficult work of self-reflection and action. We risk reframing our world view as we listen to the stories of others. We risk dismantling systems that serve us but harm others. We risk reckoning with our complicity in upholding systems of power. We risk the isolation of standing apart and being the only loud voice in the room.
Working for peace and reconciliation has always been risky work. Listen to the stories of the Black visionaries who came before us and you’ll realise that you have joined a long line of impactful risk-takers. When we celebrate their stories, we are encouraged that often taking risks can also create hope.
Reconciliation needs trust filled relationships
We live in a world of 24-hour availability and next day delivery. It can warp our expectations of reconciliation for racial justice so that we expect a quick fix. When I read the gospels, I see that Jesus takes time to build relationships. Even when it looks like he should be hurrying, he sits down, eats, listens to stories and shares his wisdom.
Reconciliation is a slow journey, and it cannot take place without trusted relationships. Without that, reconciliation easily becomes charity as we seek to help those we consider less fortunate, or lacking agency, power and capacity. Trusted relationships require difficult honest conversations, a willingness to recognise and dismantle power structures and a deep respect based of our shared humanity. It is not fast.
If we have a hopeful vision for the future of our communities, one that is shaped by mutual respect and wider participation, we will need to do that work together. It will take more than leaving a ‘like’ on someone’s post. Solidarity is the work of listening to one another with respect, even when the conversation is difficult. It’s shared solutions to shared challenges. It’s choosing respect and compassion, not just in what we do, but as a mark of who we are.
It’s time for us to find some co-conspirators with a passion for justice and a heart for peace. We don’t stand alone against the injustice of the world, we stand together. Our challenge is to make space for honest conversations as we learn that the slow pace of change isn’t the same as no change and that the relationships we build along the way are the true treasures of this work.
This month’s blog was written by Jennie Johnson, Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral. In this role Jennie supports Anglican churches and schools across Liverpool Diocese as they work together for racial justice in their communities. Jennie is passionate about encouraging the contributions and participation of marginalised groups in every part of church life.
