How do white parents talk with their children about race and racism? Why do white evangelical and Black Christians seem so socially and politically divided? How do our different stories divide us? How can we move towards one another in love even when we disagree? Author Patricia Raybon and Amy Julia discuss these questions and more in this conversation about race, books and reading, parenting, and faith. (Also, check back in later this week for a bonus episode where Amy Julia talks with her kids about what they’ve learned from talking about racism and injustice at home.)
Show Notes
Patricia begins by talking a bit about her history. Go here to learn more about her writings and career in journalism and as a professor of journalism.
We talk about my essay series about racial healing on my Christianity Today blog and the connection to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson. Patricia wrote an article entitled “A White Cop and a Black Lady” that was published on my CT blog following this essay series.
We mention Brené Brown, Kelli Trujillo, and Howard Thurman.
We talk about mortgage discrimination, economic disparities, and white privilege.
Patricia recommends reading Alex Haley’s book Roots: The Saga of an American Family, as well as Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables.
Patrician mentions an article she wrote entitled “Will We Judge Young Looters or Love Them?”
Find Patrica Rabyon online: patriciaraybon.com. She also writes for Our Daily Bread Ministries, DaySpring’s (in)courage, Charles Stanley’s InTouch Ministries, and Christianity Today.
If you would like to read more from Patricia, she recommends starting with My First White Friend, and then reading I Told the Mountain to Move, which is a prequel to Undivided: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace.
Two additional books that Patricia recommended to me but not mentioned in the podcast are: Born a Crime and Cry, the Beloved Country.
This podcast season is called White Picket Fences, and it is based on my book White Picket Fences: Turning Towards Love in a World Divided by Privilege. Learn more about White Picket Fences! Also check out free RESOURCES to accompany White Picket Fences—action guide, discussion guides—that are designed to help you respond.
To read further with Amy Julia:
- Classroom Conversations: To Kill a Mockingbird and the Discussion of Privilege
- Trying to Expand Your Bookshelf? Here Are 20 Diverse Books for Kids of All Ages
- AJB Recommends: Race and Privilege Resources (books, podcasts, films for all ages)
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