In response to the spotlight on racial injustice in our communities and institutions,
the Office of Multicultural Ministry (OMM) has compiled a sampling of resources for
those who wish to deepen their understanding of racism so that they may engage more
fully in dismantling it. The following list includes articles, videos, books, and programs
that the OMM developed and continues to lead for schools, parishes, youth, adults,
and any group interested in addressing the reality of racial injustice.
PRAY:
Prayer to Overcome Racism
STUDY:
Archbishop Kurtz: Uphold Human Dignity and Reject Racism
Open Wide Our Hearts – US Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter – 2018
Brothers and Sisters to Us – US Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism 1979
WATCH:
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman Speech to the U.S. Catholic Bishops in 1989
“Facing an Uncomfortable Truth” — Explores the role of African Americans in the early Catholic Church in Kentucky
“Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption”
Free on Amazon Prime in June
“13th” — Documentary examining racial inequity in the U.S. prison system
READ: For a full reading list, contact the OMM
“White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide” by Carol Anderson
“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
“The History of Black Catholics in the United States” by Cyprian Davis
“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism” by Robin DiAngelo
“Fugitive Saints: Catholicism and the Politics of Slavery” by Katie Grimes
“Racial Justice and the Catholic Church” by Father Bryan N. Massingale
“Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson
ENGAGE: Programs provided by OMM
Dismantling Racism (Young adults and adults)
Moving Towards Oneness (Focus on racism)
Walking In My Shoes (Focus on racism)
Bridging the Divide (Multicultural reality)
Open Wide Your Heart Program (Young adults and adults)
J-Car (Jr. Cultural Awareness Retreat 6-8th grades)
H-Car (High School Cultural Awareness Retreat)
PARENTING RESOURCES
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America” by Jennifer Harvey
In this book, Harvey offers age-appropriate suggestions for teaching children how to address racism and engage with racial justice movements.
“Talking about Race”
This resource, published by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, offers tools and guidance for talking with kids of all ages about race.
@theconsciouskid
This Instagram account offers suggestions for parenting and education through a racial justice lens.
JUST FOR KIDS
“Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints” by Daneen Akers
“Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis” by Jabari Asim
“Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice” by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard
“This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work” by Tiffany Jewell