For over a year, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice has been engaged with legacy reparations organizations, civil rights groups, faith tables, and other coalition partners in the effort to get President Biden to sign an H.R.40-style reparations study commission. There is an urgent need to issue the executive order now. If the reparations commission is to assemble and complete its work in the 18-month window prescribed in H.R. 40, it must start in the next few weeks. Otherwise, it could be subject to be disbanded if the nextAdministration does not agree that repair and redress is not needed for the original sin ofslavery – and the racial violence, abuse, and policy that came after it.
During Black History Month, we are adding a call on our advocates to “level up” their political advocacy with prayer. We invite all justice-seekers, from all faiths, and those who claim nofaith at all, to join us. Prayer
Right now there are two bills under consideration in Congress: HR 5444 and Senate Bill 2907. We have been asked by our Native Brothers and Sisters to support this call for a truth and healing commission in the US to address boarding school policies. Here is an opportunity to stand with them as allies!
Below you will find the toolkit prepared by the National Native American Boarding School Coalition with talking points and all the information about these two bills. Please consider calling your Senators and Representatives in support of a truth and healing commission.
“No one can say anymore, ‘This does not concern me.’ Imitate Christ by becoming neighbor to every man, and woman.” Pope Francis to Ursulines
We are taking our call to be neighbor to every man and woman very seriously. Right now we are faced with tragic injustices to people of color. We must do our homework, listen, ponder and take action. To that end we will be posting resources here:
Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware is proud to introduce you to one of their students, Whitney Grinnge-Cassidy whose Youth Ted talk will renew your faith in the next generation having the values and skills to make positive changes in our world. Whitney has already had an impact in here school and challenges all of us to ACTION. Click the link to below and see for yourself. Why Microaggressions Aren’t So Micro
It is frequently easier to deplore racism and its effects than to take responsibility for the privileges some of us receive as a result of it. Key to dealing with white privilege is the courage to own it, and the willingness to learn to be accountable to people of color. – Margaret Alandt, IHM and Pat McClucskey, IHM #StandAgainstRacism #WhitePrivilege https://lcwr.org/sites/ default/files/publications/ files/rta11-16_1.pdf
Racism and Inequality continue to be issues that need our attention and action. Below are several resources that you might find helpful: Open-Wide-Our-Hearts
