Witness to Racial Reconciliation Team
 (WTRRT)

History

During the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018, about 30 members and friends participated in 2 book studies that led to the creation of the Witness to Racial Reconciliation Team.  A core group wanted to continue to meet to explore issues related to race and racism in our country and explore possible actions Pebble Hill might be involved with.  The group wrote a Mission Statement and has continued to hold Forums and Zoom sessions examining how race and racism plays out in our society.  We are currently engaged in a long-term study of the history of racism in the United States.

Witness to Racial Reconciliation Team Library

We have gathered a selection of books exploring issues related to race. The books are in the lounge at the back of the sanctuary. Books can be checked out and in using a checklist on one of the shelves. This link provides ta list of he current titles and a short description of each.

Books in the Witness to Racial Reconciliation Library

Mission Statement

Our mission is to increase awareness in self and others about racism and white privilege.  We do this by learning from our history and from each other and being open with one another and our neighbors.  We will use that increasing knowledge to take action within the Pebble Hill community and commit to confronting racism in a Christ-like way wherever we encounter it.  We will also connect with other groups in the broader community which share our vision. ​

Current Team Study

The Witness to Racial Reconciliation Team will restart their study of the History of Race and Racism in the U.S. in January.  The focus for that 6 week series will be the Civil Rights Movement and include a review of the issues arising in the post WWII years. ​

​Other Opportunities to Learn

Enjoy book clubs?  ACTS runs a great one focusing on a variety of books focusing on issues of race.  The next discussion is on 11/28 and the book is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
As our community’s social justice interfaith network, ACTS is hopeful that dialog will bring greater awareness and action.  There are more than 30 regular members of the book club from 13+ different congregations with an average of a dozen or more persons participating each month.  Come once or come often to share your thoughts with others on the journey.  

To make your registration for the November 28 gathering, email [email protected]  Zoom link will be sent to regular members and those registered closer to the discussion date. 
Coming up after the December break are Jan 23 – “Cane River” by Lalita Tademy; Feb 27 – “Finding Me” by Viola Davis; Mar 27 – “That Bird Has My Wings” by Jarvis Jay Masters; Apr 24 – “New York Burning” by Jill Lepore; May 22 – “Homegoing: A Novel” by Yaa Gyasi; June 26 – TBA. 
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Community Partners

InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith tradition, builds racial and religious equity, and creates bridges of understanding among us.

One of InterFaith Works’ cornerstone programs is the Ahmad and Elizabeth El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Actions (CDA) which has been has been engaged in a serious organizing effort about racism, race relations and healing for the last 25 years. The Community-Wide Dialogue to End Racism is the longest running dialogue of its kind in the nation.

The Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (ACTS) is a grassroots, interfaith network advocating for social justice. We are voices striving for a more just and fair community that improves the quality of life for all in Onondaga County.

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