Understanding Race: Illusion, Identity, and the Path to Equity, pt. 2 | Tiny Pulpit Talks:030

Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

In the second installment of our two-part series with members of the Racial Equity Task Force, Pamela Ice and Steve Jensen return to tackle the complex topic of reparations. Drawing on examples like Ta-Nehisi Coates’ The Case for Reparations, Hawaii’s historic efforts, and Fort Worth’s Broadway Baptist Church project, they explore how communities can address past injustices and pursue healing. Pamela, Steve, and Rev. T. J. also discuss the intersection of spirituality and racial equity, the role of personal race stories, and new initiatives like racial healing circles. They reflect on the challenges of engaging a whole congregation and the ongoing work to document the church’s racial history. This insightful episode asks: How can we grow as a community, confront our past, and build a just future? 🎙️ Don’t miss this thought-provoking conclusion to our series—like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation! 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Considering a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: ✨ (Member & pledge-holders, please give in Realm.) 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of reparations 00:50 - Ta-Nehisi Coates' "A Case for Reparations" 01:03 - Personal connection to reparations in Hawaii 01:48 - Broadway Baptist Church’s reparations project in Fort Worth 02:10 - Story of a Black janitor and his artwork 03:20 - Rhode Island Episcopal Diocese’s reparations efforts 03:57 - Financial and sacred aspects of reparations 04:28 - Exploring inherited guilt and trauma 04:56 - "Journey Toward Wholeness" program experience 07:18 - The church’s ongoing effort to document its racial history 09:00 - Upcoming Racial Equity Task Force events at the church 13:26 - The WISE program and racial healing circles explained 15:08 - The misconception that white people have no race First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at New sermon every week. Subscribe here: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond: