Earlier this month a group of people across West Ohio gathered via Zoom to discuss the book, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man”, written by Emmanuel Ancho.
This was the initial gathering of the Expanding Connection book club designed to bring people together across the West Ohio Conference to read and discuss books focused on race, culture and equity.
The first book, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man is a book born out of an online series launched in 2020 of the same name. The author and host, Acho created meaningful space for dialogue around systemic racism with guests ranging from everyday people, celebrities and political figures.
Using the book as a guide, the group explored personal experiences with cultural appropriation, white privilege and how to be an ally.
A retired pastor who participated in the discussion shared a story from over 30 years ago. He and a group of white residents joined to sit on the porch of the home of a new black resident in Worthington, Ohio to shield the home from ‘unwelcoming’ white neighbors. The 92-year-old said, “These are the kinds of ‘homely’ acts we can take. There are risks and danger but acts, along with having these conversations are important to keep us moving forward.”
Julie Carter, Director of Faith Formation and Lay Servant Ministries for the West Ohio Conference said, “There are neighbors right outside our doors that we do not know for all kinds of reasons. Creating space for people to encounter a diverse group of neighbors can help all of us to expand our circles and reach for a world where God's Kingdom is experienced every single day.”
The next book to be discussed is, “Solito”, a memoir that focuses on the immigration debate from the perspective of the people who leave home behind and risk everything to look for a better life in the United States.
The invitation is open to all across the conference to read the book and join the discussion on August 13. Click here to register for the upcoming Zoom Conversation.
Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Writer