A Message From Our CEO

OUT OF OUR MINDS

Is racism making us all a little crazy? I mean, seriously. This topic makes us uncomfortable but is it deeper than that? Beyond talking about it, can racism affect our health? The following is from an article in the Washington Post:

Racism is its own stressor and one that cannot be easily avoided. Experiences of racial discrimination are consistently linked with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance use and PTSD, as well as physical ailments such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Black Americans, for instance, are about twice as likely as White Americans to develop dementia.

This begs the question, is racism slowly killing us? Black people, specifically! I must admit, the BLM movement was liberating for me. As young people protested all over the world, I felt vindicated; racism was not just something in my head. I was not being overly sensitive, taking things the wrong way or (my favorite) creating a problem that did not exist. BLM proved that racism was on the minds of many but not everyone experiences its repercussions the same way. For instance, those who identify as White Supremacists.

Anti-Black Violence Has Long Been the Most Common American Hate Crime—And We Still Don’t Know the Full Extent. There are studies suggesting that bigotry and racism can contribute to mental health issues. Not to mention, a fear of being “replaced” can cause irrational behavior leading to violent thoughts and tendencies.

For the next three months, CTVA will take the conversation on race out of our heads and into our hearts, focusing on Racism and Mental Health, and how race plays a role in our emotional and physical well-being. This month, we’ll feature Jabriel Hasan, who will speak from a spiritual and community informed perspective. In upcoming months, Dr Shawn Utsey, Kay Hamlin and a host of local professionals will join us. CTVA is getting to the HEART of the matter. See you at the table.

Bringing Love to the Fight!

Danita

Education For Action

BOOK CIRCLE

(3rd Thursdays)

In-Person

Thursday, March 21st

6:00 - 8:30 pm ET

Potluck Dinner & Conversation

Join us for a potluck dinner and conversation as we discuss Richmond and inclusive communities. The Education For Action Book Circle will read a series of essays in the coming months found in the Richmond Racial Equity Essays Project. These essays fit in easily with our circle's goal to not only discuss local issues but to offer various actions regarding these issues. In an effort to sustain this critical conversation, the Richmond Racial Equity Essays (RREE) 2.0 endeavors to showcase the perspectives and work of activists, educators, researchers, and community leaders who tirelessly strive to dismantle oppressive systems.

We will begin by reading the first section of the Richmond Racial Equity Essays Anthology, pages 4-18, Planning For Inclusive Communities. Click the Anthology link above to read this month's essay. Please take a look at the Discussion Guide as well. 

Please e-mail Cheryl Goode to receive the location and with any questions.

MOVIE CIRCLE

(4th Monday of this month)

via Zoom

Monday, March 25th 

6:30 - 8:00 pm ET

The Banker

Revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson) devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racist establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American Dream. They train a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire - while Garrett and Morris pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. 

The Banker, if you look at it through one lens, is a Civil Rights drama, not just about political freedom and racial equality, but about making money — at a time of squelched opportunity. This film is a must-see that will lead to a lively, informative discussion.

Robin Allman

Alistar Harris

Movie Circle C0-Conveners

Email Robin if you have any questions.

"3rd TUESDAY"

DINNER & CONVERSATION GATHERING

Racism and Mental Health

featuring

Jabriel Hasan

(4th Tuesday this month only)

Tuesday, March 26th

6:00 - 8:30 PM ET

Ginter Park Presbyterian Church

Fellowship Hall

3601 Seminary Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227

Jabriel Hasan is a lifelong member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Church Hill), a 2022 M.Div. graduate from Union Presbyterian Seminary, and an interfaith minister with the Inayatiyya. His heart for social harmony and service has extended to various pursuits. He is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, a former resident of Richmond Hill, a Community Trustbuilding Fellowship graduate, and a former Chaplain with VCU Health. Jabriel also serves as a Co-Chair for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia's Truth and Reparations Task Force.

Jabriel's presentation will explore some of the mental health implications associated with racial awareness development, including typical trauma responses. Participants will also learn effective techniques for reducing stress stemming from racial conscientization. 

This is a potluck event where we will provide some basics as the meal foundation. Please bring a nourishing side dish to share and donations of $20 per person are appreciated to help cover costs. 

Everyone is welcome, so please come regardless of whether you can bring a dish or make a donation.

Look for an invitation in your inbox and an opportunity to register for this event soon.

Reading For Change

BOOK CIRCLE

(4th Thursday of the month)

via Zoom



Thursday, March 28th

6:30 - 8:00 pm ET

The Reading for Change Book Circle will discuss Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden. Poet and scholar Camille T. Dungy recounts the 7-year odyssey to diversify her garden in the predominately white community of Fort Collins, Colorado. When she moved there in 2013 with her husband and daughter, the community had strict restrictions about what residents could and could not plant in their gardens.

We look forward to seeing you and engaging in meaningful dialogue. 

Doug Steele

RFC Book Circle Convener

BE THE CHANGE

There is much work to be done to create the Virginia we want to see.

So roll up your sleeves and let's get busy!