A two-part virtual discussion organized by three Anglican churches marks this year’s Black History Month in the Diocese of Huron.
All Saints’, Windsor, and two Cambridge churches – St. Luke’s and St. Thomas the Apostle – together with F.O.C.U.S. hosted virtual discussions examining the history of anti-Black racism with special emphasis on the Canadian context: “We are rooted here, and they can’t pull us up” (February 16) and “Trouble I’ve seen: Evolving concepts of race and racism in the church” (February 23).
The discussions are co-facilitated by Rev. Steve Greene, and educator/historian Irene Moore Davis. They cover a wide range of topics examining the influence the church as an institution has had on developing concepts of race and racism from the Renaissance period through the present day, and focusing on question how people of faith can successfully navigate today’s difficult race relations challenges, and pursue racial understanding, healing, and reconciliation.
Irene Moore Davis is an administrator at St. Clair College where she also teaches English, humanities, and Underground Railroad history. She is the recipient of the Harriet Tubman award and is named as one of Canada’s most influential black women. Irene is the president of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, and co-founder of Black Women of Forward Action. She was also a member of the writing and editorial team for African Canadian Roads to Freedom, resource manuals which help local Grade 1 through 12 teachers integrate Black history into their everyday curriculum.
Rev. Steve Greene is the rector of St. Luke's, Cambridge, and St. Thomas the Apostle, Cambridge. With David Giffen he co-leads F.O.C.U.S, a ministry whose goal is to help people find the intersection between the Gospel narrative and the cultural narrative.