Sarasota County, Florida has a population of approximately 435,000, of whom just 4.5% are African American, and over 91% are white. The City of Sarasota is more diverse with 14% of its population identifying as black and over 17% as Hispanic. Many African Americans live in an historic Black neighborhood called “Newtown” where, today, issues such as gentrification, policing, and economic development (or lack thereof) come together.
Ten minutes away stands the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sarasota. Like the county, the UUCS is predominantly white in membership. But unlike the county, it follows a progressive agenda and has supported Black Lives Matter since its inception. It is learning both how to welcome and how to be more supportive of families and individuals of color in these racially stressful times.
Today the church embraces a strong anti-racism program both within the church and in the larger community. One can find a detailed description of this ever-growing emphasis on the church’s website. Its Racial Justice Coordinating Team (RJCT) has developed opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages to pursue both educational and action opportunities for racial justice. The church also seeks to work with the national Unitarian Universalist Association on racial justice issues both within the denomination and its churches, and within the larger society. Members actively support legislation that advances racial justice or opposes efforts to deny it. In addition, the church helped to found and is continuing to support the community-wide Manasota Anti-Racism Coalition, and the anti-racism initiative of the Sarasota Ministerial Association. Its members also are involved in supporting Black-led initiatives in the community. It has identified sixteen anti-racism initiatives to pursue in the coming year. The RJCT maintains an up-to-date glossary of important terms and an online resource center that includes an annotated list of books, videos, films and podcasts. It offers presentations, sermons, classes and conversations on race and inclusion for its members.
Two additional emphases need to be mentioned. The first is called “The Eighth Principle Project” discussion. Unitarian Universalist values are expressed in seven foundational principles; there is a national movement to add an eighth that explicitly calls UU’s to work to overcome racism. The Sarasota congregation is deeply involved in this conversation.
In addition, the church recently organized a Social Justice Advocacy Group currently focusing on police reform. It is guided at the local level by Campaign Zero, a national movement to reform policing.
Racism and White Supremacy are defining challenges for our country. UUCS’s commitment to racial justice, diversity and inclusion is becoming a central aspect of the church’s identity and focus for its energy. It eagerly anticipates new ways to advance this work in the years to come.
For additional information, contact:
Dale Anderson, President
UUCS Board of Trustees
dale.p.anderson@gmail.com
