Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership

The desire and willingness to dismantle racism comes with moments of weariness and can be very daunting. A dose of faith is needed to maintain commitment to the goals of racial equity. In this two-part course, the Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery will provide an overview of the sacred intelligence journey of faith. She will share what it means to have sacred intelligence and discuss the three elements of faith that are necessary in the march toward social justice. These are: Sacred Motive: to look deeply and introspectively at why we want to engage in a conversation on race, advocate for racial equities, or even start a movement to dismantle racism; Selfish Mindset: to determine the thinking that impedes our ability to move beyond fear, complacency, denial, judgment, guilt, or shame to a mindset that allows for movement in the face of obstacles, overwhelm, and distress; Shared Movement: to decide and commit to awakening to the ways in which all of our lives are impacted by race; to continuously examine the ways in which those who are of the lighter hue benefit from systemic racism; to actively engage in practices that no longer perpetuate such a system; and to consistently reach across the color line to openly embrace and deepen relationships with those of another race.