Why does racism persist in the United States?  Why is it so difficult for even well-meaning white people to discuss the issue with blacks?  According to academic Robin DiAngelo, part of our dilemma is that “whiteness” is the “default setting .  . . .We have a pattern of whiteness never being named or acknowledged, at the same time as we name the race of people who are not white. So we grant white people the individuality that we don’t afford people of color.”

Dr. DiAngelo has written a book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism, to explore this continuing problem in our society.  On Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m., the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Drive in Chestertown, will convene a discussion of the book and its implications. The public is invited to attend, free of charge.

The Book Plate, 112 S. Cross St., Chestertown, has copies of the book for sale at a modest price.

Journalist Nosheen Iqbal recently interviewed DiAngelo for the British publication The Guardian. During the conversation DiAngelo states, “We have to stop thinking about racism simply as someone who says the N-word. This book is centered on the white western colonial context and in that context white people hold institutional power.” In her article about the interview Iqbal explains further, “This means understanding that racism is a system rather than just a slur; it is prejudice plus power.  And in Britain and the US at least, it is designed to benefit and privilege whiteness by every economic and social measure. Everyone has racial bias, but, as DiAngelo is determined to establish, ‘when you back a group’s collective bias with lingering authority and institutional control, it is transformed.’”

As a part of its new Strategic Plan, UUCR has committed to undertake a church-wide focus and community activism regarding racism and racial equity.  In January the group held two public discussions of the book Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United States History and Life, by Dr. David Billings.

For questions or more information please contact Lynn Dolinger, lynn.thirdwish@gmail.com.

On Sunday, Mar 17, at 10 a.m., Rev. Sue Browning will deliver a sermon titled “Learning from the Journey” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. Has your life ever included a transformative journey? Was it physical travel, or maybe a lifestyle change? When on a pilgrimage we intentionally leave ordinary patterns of life with a destination in mind. At this service with Rev. Sue Browning we’ll reflect on the ways we are changed as we move toward our destination and further changed in our return to the ordinary.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and youth and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service. All are welcome! Call 410-778-3440 for more information.

On Sunday, Mar. 10, at 10 a.m., Minister Armond Fletcher will deliver a sermon titled “The Good News of Hope in Challenging Times.” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. Armond is a familiar face and voice in our community working for Social Justice. He was raised on Cannon Street and lived the experience of an earlier Chestertown with its segregated neighborhoods, schools, restaurants, movie theaters — even hospital. Armond was present when the Freedom Riders came to Chestertown in 1962, and his unique perspective is important as we continue the work begun by so many before us. Throughout his life Armond’s strong faith in a loving and just God has supported and guided his work. He credits the many before him — their stories, wisdom and example — for “fighting the good fight for freedom.” Join us to hear his story and lend your voice to the discussion.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and youth and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service. All are welcome! Call 410-778-3440 for more information.

On Sunday, Feb 24, at 10 a.m., Dr. Gary Schiff will deliver a sermon titled “I Got the Post-Pittsburgh Blues: Anti-Semitism Today” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. In light of the recent massacre of eleven elderly Jews in a Pittsburgh synagog, Dr. Schiff will explore the recent rise of Anti-Semitism in America and around the world; the roots of “the world’s oldest hatred”; and what might be done about it.

Dr. Schiff is the former president of Gratz College in Philadelphia, adjunct professor of history at Washington College, cantor and religious leader of the Chestertown Havurah, and a frequent lecturer, soloist, and author.

Special music for this service will be performed by Nevin Dawson and Philip Dutton.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and youth and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service. All are welcome! Call 410-778-3440 for more information.

Reverend Sue Browning will deliver a sermon entitled “Trust, the Essence of Faith” at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 17, at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr, Chestertown. What do you trust in the world? What is the bedrock of your faith? Unitarian Universalism is often explained by describing aspects of other faith traditions that were rejected. Join Rev. Sue Browning as we consider the ways we hope our faith supports us in times of question or struggle.

Religious Exploration classes for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

Please phone 410-778-3440 for more information. All are welcome!

On Sunday, February 10, the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr, Chestertown, will host Mr. Josh Long, who will deliver a sermon entitled, “Punches, Podcasts, and Process.” Josh explains, “The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University has a podcast called ‘Scene on Radio.’ The past two seasons they have tackled difficult topics that our culture would typically run away from, that is, Racism and Patriarchy. While we have all this new technology to help us be more informed, why do we seemed more divided than ever? Why do we argue over alternative facts and fake news? The theme of ‘ rust’ may have some answers. These words have a gut reaction, for some of us, it feels like an assault on who we are. If we are to be a people of faith, how can we learn to trust that discomfort and challenges that will one day make us better human beings? Let’s discuss together.”

Josh is Director of Music Ensembles at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Annapolis, and will be performing for this service, which will include some of Josh’s original pieces.

Religious Exploration classes for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

Please phone 410-778-3440 for more information. All are welcome!

A discussion of the book Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United States History and Life, by Rev. David Billings, will take place at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown, on Thursday, January 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. The book examines the deeply entrenched notion of White Supremacy in the U.S., which persists despite the Civil Rights movement and our election of an African American president.

The discussion is an activity that supports UUCR’s goal of undertaking a church-wide focus and community activism regarding racism and racial equity. Anyone interested in learning more about the book, or this discussion, please call 410-778-3440 to learn more.

A second discussion will take place at the Bookplate, 112 S. Cross Street in Chestertown, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 27.