​Racial Justice Resources

Catholic Insights
  • Dr. Diana L. Hayes, an African American Catholic theologian and scholar, describes the “wounding” of the African American community and their faithful courage which has brought forth so many sacred gifts in the United States and beyond. Wounded Healers. 
  • ​Pope Francis on the Death of George Floyd, Racism & Protest. Video Link to the Pope’s full remarks.
  • The assumptions of white privilege and what we can do about it. By Fr. Bryan N. Massingale, theology professor at Fordham University in New York and author of Racial Justice and the Catholic Church. Read it here.
  • How the Church can combat racism and white privilege. A discussion between Father Bryan Massingale and America Click here to watch.
  • Justice as Love is our Call: A Pastoral Response to Racism in our Nation. St. Clare Parish (Portland) official statement and pastoral plan as a response to racial tension. Read it here.
  • Bishop Edward K. Braxton wrote about the Catholic Church and the Black Lives Matter Movement for the Illinois Catholic Conference. Read it here.
  • Understanding of systemic racism: The Archdiocese of Cleveland's Office of Ministry to African American Catholics has resources available to deepen your understanding of systemic racism and assist in anti-racism work.
  •  St. Martin De Porres: The Perfect Saint For Our Troubled Times by Judy Landrieu Klein of the Catholic Digest. Read it here. 

Documentaries & Talk Forums
  • King in the Wilderness (2018, HBO) As the father of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King’s last three years – from the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to his 1968 assassination -- were filled with anxiety and uncertainty as he boldly fought for equality on all fronts.
  • 13TH (2016, Netflix) The title of Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13TH refers to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which reads “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” The progression from that second qualifying clause to the mass criminalization and the American prison industry is laid out by DuVernay.
  • Race vs Religion - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (2020, YouTube) Carl Lentz, lead pastor of Hillsong East Coast, sits down with Emmanuel Acho to have an uncomfortable conversation about the role religion plays in fueling and/or killing racism.
  • Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now (2019, Netflix) The cast of When They See Us, the creator, and the five men exonerated are interviewed. 
  • Teach Us All (2017, Netflix) It's been decades since Brown v. Board of Education, yet American schools remain largely segregated. Some leaders are working to change that. 
  • The Loving Story (2011, HBO) A racially-charged criminal trial and a heart-rending love story converge in this documentary about Richard and Mildred Loving, set during the turbulent Civil Rights era. 
  • They've Gotta Have Us (2018, Netflix) Powered by candid recollections from esteemed African- American entertainers, this docuseries traces the history of Black cinema and culture
​Let's face it, racial justice is a difficult topic to understand if you haven't faced racism. It can be even more of a difficult topic to talk about. When George Floyed was killed, parishioners at St. Charles knew that it was time to get uncomfortable and do something about it. Our parish created a Racial Justice Team to support the Black Lives Matter movement in our neighborhood. Our hope is that by sharing information and making connections at peaceful protest we can make those first steps towards change. 

On this page you will find book recommendations from acclaimed authors for children and adults. You will also find a selection of documentaries and online talk forums that are accessible and often free. Catholic insights will be highlighted as well. Our hope is that our community knows - here at St. Charles everyone is welcome. 

Recommended Books for Adults
Recommended Authors For Older Kids (third grade up to teenagers) 
Recommended Books for Younger Children