Category: Racial Justice

Join Our First Visioning Discussion for a UU Police Initiative

by UU FA Office

Dear Friends,

As the new Executive Director of the UU Legislative Ministry of NJ, my responses to the latest round of violence and outrage grow shorter and shorter. Quite honestly, I find myself running out of words.

What I hold onto at times like this is that we have not run out of creative or faithful responses to violence and fear.

Following up on last week’s letters concerning the Baton Rouge, Minnesota and Dallas shootings, and in the wake of Sunday’s ambush of police in Baton Rouge, UULMNJ would like to coordinate a statewide UU response to the escalation of violence towards both people of color and police. While we do not see these acts as exactly the same thing, we believe strongly that addressing one without addressing the other is both ineffective and not reflective of our shared UU values concerning the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Violence begets violence. It has to stop.

In an effort both to push forward with our own deep commitment to Black Lives Matter, and to grow and deepen our relationships with local and county-level police, we will be hosting a statewide video conference to discuss several ways we can effect change vis-a-vis our own police forces and within the larger context of historic, embedded racial injustice across the board.

Please join us on Zoom a week from today, Tuesday, July, 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to learn from Rohn Hein (Cherry Hill), Co-Chair, UULMNJ Dismantling Racism Group, Cherry Hill Congregation, Susan MacDonnell (Princeton), Chair, UULMNJ Criminal Justice Task Force, and other New Jersey UU leaders how we can be part of the solution.

To join the video call from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android visit

https://zoom.us/j/938562767

Or call in to (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID: 938 562 767

If you have never used Zoom video conferencing before, learn how to sign up here and how to join a meeting here.

We very much hope to see you on the call. This is a unique time in our national life. We have the chance to be leaders both here in New Jersey and as an example to congregations across the country.  I hope you will make an effort to join us next Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m.
In Faith and Abiding Hope,
Rev. Rob Gregson
Executive Director, UULMNJ

A New Jersey Unitarian Universalist Response to the Latest Examples of Police Brutality Against African Americans 

by UU FA Office

Dear Friends,

Many of us here in New Jersey have already seen the headlines, probably multiple times. Perhaps you watched the emotionally wrenching videos of police in Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights, Minnesota shooting black men–to death–with no clear probable cause or justification.  And have thought, “Again??  How is this possible?!”

The facts on these individual cases will continue to come forth. What is clear beyond any reasonable doubt–and has been for some time now–is that black Americans are being shot and killed, out of any possible proportion or rational response, by the very people charged to protect American life and liberty.

We are neighbors, living in the same state, and we are Unitarian Univeralists. We are called to shout and mourn, to lament what is happening to our brothers and sisters privately and in our worship. We are also called to “give them garlands instead of ashes” in the words of the well-loved hymn.

We see and honor and curse over the ashes. And then we reach for the garlands, for our children, for the future we build together. Here are some suggestions for mourning our murdered African-American dead–and too many have been murdered, make no mistake–and for rising up, singing.

1)  Reach out to local black organizing groups and churches. 

As called for this week by the Black Lives UU (BLUU) national organizing group, as an initial step we can at the very least offer our buildings and meeting space as sanctuaries and gathering points for African-American organizers and volunteers.  Follow this linkfor more information–including tips on how white allies can best help and inadvertently hurt during such a traumatizing moment in time.

Or, to contribute to Black Lives Matter directly you can do so here.

2) Ask your minister or worship coordinator to include a lament at the start of the service next Sunday.  We ask for prayers and words of mourning and calls for atonement during this time in the wilderness, when white Americans struggle to own their history and combat the long effects of institutional racism while people of color too often struggle simply to survive.

3) Contact your person in NJ state and national government to keep the focus on police training, accountability and transparency.
Don’t think senators, assembly people, town mayors or police chiefs will pay attention to your call or email?  Think again.  At the very least, THEY COUNT.  Let’s get our voices heard and keep the heat on elected officials to halt police violence against people of color.

4) Find out who is working on the UU Black Lives Matter! movement in your congregation and see how you can pitch in. Most likely there is someone, or even a group, that has committed themselves to doing the soul-growing work of confronting institutionalized racism within the context of our First UU Principle, “The inherent worth and dignity of every person.’

5) Join us: the UULMNJ, the voice for social justice action and long term reform in your home state. 

That’s us, the UU Legislative Ministry of New Jersey. We have an active and effective Criminal Justice Task Force and are at the forefront of UU groups using the lens of institutionalized racism to work for comprehensive and lasting immigration, reproductive and environmental justice, gun violence prevention and reform, among others.

We are with you at this wrenching time.  We have been working hard for years now, and will continue to do so to ensure that, someday, the killings in Ferguson, Waller TX, Baltimore, Baton Rouge and too many other places will stop.  I hope you find the resolve to do something in your congregation and your life to bring garlands instead of ashes.  Let us know how we can help.

In faith and abiding hope,
Rev. Rob Gregson

UULMNJ Provides Testimony Supporting Racial Impact Statements

by UU FA Office

On Monday, June 20 the co-chair of our Dismantling Racism Group, Rohn Hein, provided testimony before the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee in support of SB-677 that would require a racial and ethnic impact statement for certain bills and regulations affecting sentencing. To learn more about the bill click here.

Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, Monday, June 20, 2016

S-677 Requiring Racial Impact Statement

My name is Rohn Hein and I represent the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey. I want to thank Chairwoman Linda Greenstein and the other members of the committee for allowing me the opportunity to say a few words in support of S-677, a bill that requires the development of a racial impact statement on bills before the state legislature.

The UU Legislative Ministry of NJ represents all of the UU Churches in the State of New Jersey and we believe as part of our seven principles – the inherent worth of every human being. Over the last forty years as our country has attempted to deal with the huge damage done to our society by the use of illicit drugs, legislation has been passed at both the national and state level with no regard to how disproportionately they would affect people of color. The main goal was to eradicate the problem and punish those we thought were the bad guys. The unintended consequences of these imprudent measures were a burgeoning prison population that is predominantly made up of blacks and Hispanics. As the bills were being discussed, no one even raised a question as to the final result of these actions. No one even raised their hand and said, “Let’s go slow and take a look at how this plays out.”

We at the UU Legislative Ministry are raising our collective hands and saying, “Let’s take our time and do our homework this time.”

Why we should be in such a hurry to pass legislation without a conclusive look at how we are acting racially. Too many people are saying that we live in a color blind society and that we don’t need this scrutiny. We say, if everyone believes that all sectors of our communities are being protected, what harm does it cause for us to make a rational, racial impact statement on each piece of legislation that this august body decides upon

Let’s not make a rush to judgment when patience and understanding could serve us better in creating an atmosphere of harmony and peace together.

Support S677 for Racial Justice in the Criminal Justice System

by UU FA Office

Racial Disparity in New Jersey Criminal Justice SystemChallenge Racial Disparity in the NJ Criminal Justice System!  Support Senate Bill 677!

A bill will be coming up for vote in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee on Monday that would require a racial and ethnic impact statement for certain bills and regulations affecting sentencing. We are asking our supporters to write the committee members and urge them to move this important racial and criminal justice measure to the floor for a vote.

Racial disparities in the justice system have been shown to harm not only individuals in the system, but also their families and communities. A recent ACLU report found that black and Hispanic people, particularly men, were between two and 10 times more likely to be arrested for petty crimes than white offenders in four New Jersey cities..

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ACLU-NJ’s executive director, Udi Ofer, says “Whether the cities were large or small, or in north, central or southern New Jersey, the data revealed a clear pattern of people of color bearing the brunt of police practices.”

New Jersey’s prison population has grown from 6,087 in 1980 to 21,590 in 2014. In New Jersey, African Americans represent 12.9% in the general population yet African Americans make up over 60% of New Jersey’s prison population.

S677 would challenge racial disparity in targeted ways:

  • S677 will govern a process for racial impact statements, a tool for lawmakers to evaluate the potential disparities of proposed legislation on persons of color prior to adoption and implementation.  Analogous to environmental impact statements, they assist legislators in detecting unforeseen policy ramifications before the change is adopted, rather than once they have been implemented;
  • S677 would require the racial and ethnic impact statement to include a statistical analysis of how the change in policy would affect racial and ethnic minorities;
  • S677 would amend public distribution for notices to appear in the Register for adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule to include a racial impact statement.

In recent years other states – Connecticut, Iowa, and Oregon — have adopted similar legislation.
The passage of Senate Bill 677 is a step in the right direction to challenge racial disparity in New Jersey.

Resources

‘Extreme’ racial disparity in local N.J. arrests, ACLU report finds

The Color of Justice: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in State Prisons

30 Days of Love: Towards Racial Justice

by UU FA Office

We at UULMNJ are excited to be a part of the 2016 Thirty Days of Love campaign, observed from Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, February 14, 2016, culminating on the 7th Annual National Standing on the Side of Love Day! Thirty Days of Love 2016: Towards Racial Justice will lift up the ways Unitarian Universalists and many of our partner organizations are building and organizing by taking bold, courageous action for intersectional racial justice.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for articles on social justice, words to inspire your commitment, and a look at what other UUs are doing across the country to ensure that there is liberty and justice FOR ALL.

Look for the hashtag #30DaysOfLove and this logo in your newsfeed and share the love with YOUR community!

“How We’re Priming Some Kids for College- and Other for Prison” – February 9, Day 25

Remembering Sandra Bland – February 7, Day 23

#‎SandyStillSpeaks‬ and today, on her birthday, we dedicate ‪#‎30DaysOfLove‬ to her memory and racial justice. ‪#‎SayHerName‬ “I want Sandy to be remembered as an activist—sassy, smart and she knew her rights.” Read more.

“Where is the Love?” – February 6, Day 22

West Orange 6th Grader on Ellen – February 4, Day 20

Marley Davis is on a mission to collect 1000 books featuring black girls as the main character. Her work caught the eye of funny lady Ellen Degeneres. Watch Marley on Ellen. Read more about Marley and her mission here.

“Does Racism Affect How You Vote?” – February 3, Day 19

 

Showing Up and Support: Black Lives Matter – January 31, Day 16

Leslie MacFadyen, Kenny Wiley and Lena Gardner talk with The VUU team about showing up and supporting. The VUU is weekly Church of the Larger Fellowship web program hosted by Meg Riley and Joanna Fontaine Crawford.

“We Need to Talk About an Injustice” – January 29, Day 14

Spiritual Practices for White Allies – January 26, Day 11

“These are practices that decenter our egos and help us to learn and grow while being compassionate with ourselves and faithful to our values.” A blog post written by Rev. Annie Gonzalez on the practices of radical faith and deep discernment for white people in the times of the Movement for Black Lives.

“I Love Being A Police Officer, But We Need Reform” – January 24, Day 9

Why America Needs a Slavery Museum – January 23, Day 8

14 Ways to Mobilize – January 20, Day 5

How can you mobilize? Learn more at http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/ourstories/fourteen-steps-forward-together-for-americas-third-reconstruction

14 Ways to Mobilize(1)

 

Laurice Grae-Hauck is the Outreach Coordinator of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of NJ.