I have spent more than 20 years working side by side with people of color, but can honestly say I do not really understand their culture. I have never felt racist, but things would happen within the work environment that made me feel uncomfortable. For example, even though I felt accepted and had a good working relationship with people of color, in social situations, such as eating in the cafeteria, people of color always seemed to stay together. It was acceptable for me to join them at their table, but they rarely joined me at mine. So, when our community committed itself to becoming an anti-racist community, I jumped at the chance to be involved. I hope that through this involvement I can grow in understanding of the people of color who I have come to love.

    Being on the Anti-Racism Team and going through this process with people of color has broadened my understanding of systemic racism. As I continue this journey, I realize that the barriers of racism are not broken by just working side by side with people of color, or by hiring people of color to work in our institutions. It takes true communication, LOTS of listening (which at time is difficult) and a willingness to change myself and the structures that privilege me and disprivilege others. It requires a willingness to chip away at and eventually to break barriers of systemic racism. We can only do this by talking the talk and walking the walk together.

Sister Kristin provides pastoral care at St. Catherine’s Village, Madison, Miss.