Mission
The Racial Justice Committee of the Justice and Peace Ministry defines racial justice as “the systematic, transformative, and fair treatment of all races that results in equal opportunities and outcomes for all”.
The foundation of our Christian faith is rooted in the knowledge that all are made in the image and likeness of God. With this truth, we are devoted to upholding the dignity of all persons through, with, and in Christ.
We stand in solidarity with those facing hardship and injustice due to race. We will create spaces for dialogue, prayer, and listening, and develop activities and training that promote education and advocacy.
Our goal is to be stewards of faith, hope, and love by promoting model relationships that are rooted in truth, compassion, equality, and peace.
Vonetta Edwards, Committee Co-Chair
Shari Shea, Committee Co-Chair
Media Watch
Take Action by March 22 to Prevent Cuts to Refugee Assistance
Congress faces a March 22nd deadline to pass critical funding bills to avert a government shutdown. These funding bills include lifesaving assistance to meet the humanitarian needs of those arriving at our borders and millions of displaced persons overseas. Due to continued inaction by Congress, many essential U.S. humanitarian programs—both foreign and domestic—remain in limbo.
3 Things to Watch as Baltimore Considers Affordable Housing Requirements
After months of delay, a pair of bills requiring—and incentivizing developers to build more affordable housing units will be presented before the full Baltimore City Council Tuesday, and could be called for a vote. The bills are part of a package of what’s known as inclusionary housing legislation because they
Advocates Eye Tool to Fight Blight
Baltimore coalition launches effort to campaign for land bank to acquire vacant properties By Giacomo Bologna Iya Kenya MahaliyaDara loves her Northwest Baltimore home, but she’s getting tired of her neighbors. For the past seven years the 48-year-old Baltimore native has lived in a Park Heights rowhome she inherited from
Advocacy
Black History Month: African American Catholics and the Mixed History of the Jesuits
The Racial Justice Committee invites you to read these articles during Black History Month. Black History Month: Confronting the Mixed History of the Jesuits The Jesuit Post, Feb 24, 2020 In 1967, Superior General Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, wrote a letter to the American Jesuits calling them to task for their collective
Awaking from a 35 Year Nightmare
By Patrick Govan Imagine having a nightmare that felt like it would never end, but upon awakening, you realized it only lasted with the passing of the night. Nevertheless, in that moment it felt like a lifetime had gone by. I awakened from my nightmare on February 28, 2023. That
BRJA’s 20th Anniversary Event
June 14th @ 7 – 8:30pm BRJA is celebrating 20 years of working towards racial justice! Join us as we explore BRJA’s evolution, including our history, the challenges of doing anti-racism/anti-oppression work in today’s world, and where we hope to be in the next 20 years. Register for the online
Racial Justice Trivia Night
Tuesday June, 13th @ 7pm Join Baltimore Racial Justice Action as they debunk the historical lies we’ve been taught and learn the truths that are often omitted from our history books. Questions intersect race and other areas ranging from gender, capitalism, colonzation, ableism, citizenship, etc. If you know a lot
WEBINAR: SLAVERY, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND LESSONS FOR TODAY
Thursday, January 19 | 3-4:15PM ET/12PM-1:15PM PTPresenter:Chris Kellerman, S.J.Author of All Oppression Shall Cease: A History of Slavery, Abolitionism, and the Catholic Church Description: Is it really true that people “didn’t know slavery was wrong back then?” Did the Church teach against slaveholding? In this presentation, Fr. Chris Kellerman, S.J., will explain the basics
Virtual Prayer Service for St. Kateri Tekakwitha
The Antiracism Task Force and Environmental Justice Subcommittee invite you to a virtual prayer service for St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the patron saint of Native Americans and the Environment, on the 17th of July from 2:00-4:00PM (Zoom Access can be found below). In honor of St. Kateri, the event will focus
Resources
- Stop buying or gifting toy guns and other replica weapons for children.
- Participate in gun buy back initiatives and/or encourage others to do so.
- Read and meditate on the words of Jesus, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Teach children and encourage adults to use their words and not their fists.
- Discourage memberships in the NRA (National Rifle Association).
- Write a letter on MLK’s birthday each year to someone you disagree with the encourage better understanding through dialogue.
- Support Peace Camp where Baltimore children are taught non-violence and positive conflict resolution. Volunteer and/or give financial support.
- Support anti-poverty initiatives (Gandhi once said, “Poverty is the worst form of violence.”
- Hire a youth or an adult in need of a job full or part time.
- Pray for peace and the end of violence in our city unceasingly
- Volunteer at Loyola Early Learning Center and/or fund a young scholar enrolled in the program
- Learn about the work-study program at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Ask your employer to fill a job with students in the program. o 1 job, 5 students = great opportunities to learn, grow, get started on a career path.
- Get to know how Baltimore City government works. Watch TV25, also known as “Charm TV”. City Council hearings, Zoning Board hearings, Board of Estimates and Liquor Board hearings are all aired on TV 25.
- Speak out on The Things you disagree with and/or agree with
- Let your views be heard
- Support African American institutions in Baltimore:
- St. Frances Academy, 501 E. Chase Street. Baltimore, Maryland 21202 410-539-5794 (Offer to volunteer or send financial support)
- Subscribe to the AFRO American Newspaper to increase your awareness of life in the African community (call 410-554-8200 or go online to afrosubs.com)
- Eat at a restaurant or shop at a business owned by persons of color
- Actively support the canonization of Mother Mary Lange, founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence: a. Pray for the canonization of Mother Lange, there are prayers cards which feature wording to that effect b. Send letters to Archbishop William Lori and to Pope Frances calling for fast-tracking the canonization of Mother Lange. Address for both can be found online.
- Research and support candidates for political office and issues against war and militarism. Study the backgrounds of those seeking office and any initiatives calling for further engagement in military engagement and/or spending
- Research and support candidates for political who pro children, pro-education (such as contained in the Kirwan Commission recommendations) and pro-recreation.
- Question the operations of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and your local parish: who is hired? Who is business contracted or done with? Is there diversity – ask the questions and pursue answers and advocate for change.
- Join or support organizations that fight for racial justice such as: the Baltimore Racial Justice Circle, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SUJR Baltimore’s the local chapter) and the Office of Black Catholics for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Have the courage to work for change. Let your work be the prayer for peace and justice.
Bishop Shelton Fabre on the Death of George Floyd
US Bishops: Racism not a thing of the past
From Freddie Gray To George Floyd: Wes Moore Says It’s Time To ‘Change The Systems’
Baltimore Responds to the Death of George Floyd
Civility, activism and education as Baltimore marks sixth night of protests with peaceful reflection. And food.
Baltimore Protesters Draw On Lessons From 2015
Statement of US Bishop Chairmen in Wake of Death of George Floyd and National Protests
Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often
‘Take Up Space’: Baltimore Youth Protest While Social Distancing
Resources for Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids
People Power Action Event Map
NAACP | We Are Done Dying
Meetings
2nd Thursday of the month at 6 PM
- Ignatian Hall