Racial Justice Team
Who We Are:
Missing from the photo members: Peggy Grant and Bonnie Schell
Our Mission:
“Following the teachings of Jesus and believing in the power of Love, we work to dismantle systemic racism and to advocate for racial equity in our congregation and the community.”
“Our Civil Rights Experiences” – Diane and Vic Scott
Diane Scott, a beloved and long-time member of FCUCC recently passed away, and she and her husband Vic, who predeceased her, were both very active in civil rights work all of their lives . Below is a link that includes the details of some of these experiences.
Our Civil Rights Experiences
Community News
The Reparations Commission will soon be bringing their recommendations before the Asheville community. In preparation and support of their work the Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville is urging people to sign the “Reparations are Due Pledge” (See link below). Here is more information about the Pledge and you can follow the ongoing work of the Racial Justice Coalition at www.rjcavl.org. If you have questions or would like to talk about reparations contact Donna Miller – RJT@uccasheville.org
Reparations Are Due Pledge
We’re closing in on a thousand signatures, which means we still have a ways to go to reach our goal of 5,000 by July 1st. We’re writing today to ask you to help us reach that goal and ensure that real Reparations become a reality in Asheville and Buncombe County. We have a new Sharing Guide that offers a range of ways that individuals and organizations can support the Reparations Are Due campaign. We invite you to take a look and consider what actions make the most sense for you.
Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
Below is a list if local BIPOC businesses that we encourage you to support:
Click on the name to be taken to their webpages!
Racial Justice Team Archives
Book Study Follow-up – “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem, was the focus for a May-June 2023 group study. There is a monthly check-in to follow-up with learning and exercises. Contact alicem_a@juno.com if you would like to know more or participate in these activities.
Oak Street Gallery – In cooperation with the YMI and Noir Collective of Asheville, the Racial Justice team seeks to feature Black and Brown artists twice a year. Below are some photos from our June 2023 exhibit with Jerrie Settles. Click on the links below for a look at some of our previous exhibits.
Say Their Names –> July/August 2020
Heather Tolbert/Kai Lendzion –> May 2021
Jenny Pickens –> November 2021
Jerrie Settles –> June 2023
The Repairers of the Breach event that was held in the Sanctuary on 10/22/22.