The Anti-Racism Commission's monthly newsletter goes out to all ARC supporters and training participants. Please forward it to others who might benefit from our resources and workshops. And check out our website for past articles, training information and ongoing resources. | | Guest Homilist: Lailah Dunbar-Keeys, M.S., M.Ed. | | |
Sun. Sep. 13, 2026 at 9:30 am at Grace Epiphany Church
224 E Gowen Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
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On Sunday, September 13, Lailah Dunbar-Keeys, M.S., M.Ed. will be the guest homilist at the 9:30 Mass at Grace Epiphany Church - Mt. Airy.
As a consultant and trainer for the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania’s Anti-Racism Commission, Lailah facilitates the anti-racism workshop series, conducts racial healing circles, and speaks at diocesan churches. In addition, she is a licensed spiritual life coach, holds sister circles for women, study circles for the community, and guided meditation.
Lailah is a college professor and administrator, inspirational speaker, and author who has dedicated her life and career to establishing the “Beloved Community,” a vision promoted by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. of a world free from racism, classism, and other forms of discrimination. With an analysis of culture, history, and spirituality, Lailah inspires people to connect to their collective humanity and work towards creating a world that works for everyone. Learn more.
| | ARC Anti-Racism Trainings | | |
Sat. Sep. 26, 2026 from 9 am to 12 pm on Zoom
Fee: $20. Scholarships are available, especially for postulants and candidates for ordination. Email diopaarc@gmail.com.
| | This training explores the ways in which systemic racism informs our personal identity, behaviors and outcomes. We will develop a sociological understanding of the concepts colorblindness, colorism, cultural appropriation, unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, White fragility, and White privilege. The next training will be Racism and Active Accountability on Oct. 24. | | |
The Anti-Racism Commission's anti-racism training series is facilitated by Lailah Dunbar-Keeys, M.S., M.Ed. and designed to help participants understand the historic creation, preservation, and personal and institutional effects of a society built upon ideas of racial difference, which in turn support an unjust, racially based hierarchy.
Anti-racism trainings are mandatory for clergy and open to all. Completion of all 5 trainings over 2 years meets the initial clergy requirement for anti-racism education. For more information, questions or concerns, please email diopaarc@gmail.com.
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Sat. Oct. 3, 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm at Calvary St. Augustine
814 N 41 St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Free and open to anyone who self-identifies as African American
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Grounded in historical, cultural, sociological, and spiritual understanding, racial healing circles will provide a safe space for small groups of like-minded people to share their stories about the challenging realities of systemic racism. Learn more.
For questions about ARC's racial healing circles, or if you are interested in hosting a racial healing circle for people who identify as African American at your church, please email The Rev. Andrea Gardner (deaconandreagardner@gmail.com).
| | | Singing the African American Spirituals with Integrity | | A workshop for clergy, musicians, and congregants | | |
Sat. Nov. 7, 2026 from 2 to 5 pm at Calvary St. Augustine
814 N 41 St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tickets: $20. Scholarships are available. Email diopaarc@gmail.com.
Open to all
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The African American Spirituals have an essential place in American sacred music and continue to move hearts and souls of people around the world. These songs come from a very particular place and time: the communities of enslaved Africans in America during the centuries leading up to the Civil War and emancipation.
But these deeply inspired songs also can be found in our hymnals today for the purpose of being sung by people of all backgrounds. No matter our heritage, can we find a way to sing these songs with integrity?
We approach these songs with a sense that we walk on sacred ground. But can we also see that they were originally sung as a way of reclaiming the common humanity that was denied these singers in bondage? Can we affirm the humanity we share with them by seeing something of our own hopes and struggles in theirs?
This is a "singing" workshop, where four master teachers of the Spirituals will take turns teaching new songs from 2:00-4:00, followed by a worship service of song and praise featuring Philadelphia’s Intermezzo Choir Ministry, now in its 58th season under only its second director, Carrie Lessene.
In addition to Ms. Lessene, songs will be taught by Ruth Naomi Floyd, an internationally acclaimed composer, singer, and teacher; Dr. Jay Fluellen, composer, pianist, and teacher from the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas; and Dr. Thomas Lloyd, conductor, composer, and published scholar from the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.
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Watch this video to learn more about African American Spirituals and their cultural significance. (2 mins)
Featuring: Ruth Naomi Floyd, Carrie Lessene and Intermezzo Choir Ministry, Dr. Jay Fluellen, The Rev. Thomas Szczerba, Jr., and Dr. Thomas Lloyd
| | | Illuminating the past and reimagining the future | | The Anti-Racism Commission was created by diocesan convention resolution in 2005 with the mandate “to affect the systemic and institutional transformation in the diocese away from the sin of racism and toward the fulfillment of the Gospel and the baptismal mandate to strive for justice and respect the dignity of all persons.” Consisting of 12 members, a mix of clergy and lay and persons of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the commission aims to increase awareness of the history and legacy of racism in our country and to engage members of the diocese in dismantling its effects. To learn more about how ARC can help your parish engage in the work of racial justice and repair, email ARC co-chairs Ernie Dixon (marzelldixon@icloud.com) and The Rev. Ernie Galaz (frernie@christchurchmedia.org). |
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