Mixing & Huddling: The Importance of Racial Identity Spaces Within Unitarian Universalism

Part of Mosaic Lifespan Curriculum

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We Hold Hope Close by Rev. Theresa I. Soto

Light chalice, read opening words, and invite the group to take several long, deep breaths together.

Check-In question: Share an early memory of feeling a sense of belonging - or perhaps a sense of not belonging - in a community (neighborhood, congregation, school, team, etc.)

Read

UU racial identity spaces, and which is part of a longer resource for organizing race based affinity groups. (For more information on how racial identity spaces work, check out the alternate / supplemental resource on caucuses as a racial justice strategy.)

Next, share the excerpt from the history of DRUUMM (Diverse and Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries), a UU People of Color organization: “While People of Color are inspired by the liberating messages of Unitarian Universalism, congregational life often does not reflect diverse worldviews or cultural practices. Often congregations are not committed to the justice struggles of communities of color. This can leave people of color feeling invisible and isolated. For many members, participating in DRUUMM enhances their congregational experience and empower them to work for racial justice and cultural inclusion in their home church. For others, DRUUMM may be their primary place of Unitarian Universalist religious expression.” DRUUMM is one of several organizations which provides spiritual support via racial identity spaces for UU People of Color.

Next, read testimony from Aisha Ansano and Marchae Grair, two UU BIPOC young adult leaders who share some of their experiences connecting in UU racial identity spaces.

Watch

These videos capture some of the 2017 Convening of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU), an organization which is described in the supplemental reading “In Their Own Words.”

Do

Discussion

Consider any groups you’ve been part of that related to a shared affinity, identity, lived experience, passion, etc.
What did/do you gain from being part of such a group/s? What kind of mutual support did/do you experience?
How might affinity or identity spaces be especially important to groups experiencing some kind of marginalization in society? How could you support such groups (either as a member, or an aspiring ally)?

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