1) The Union of Black Episcopalians- ube.org It is comprised of over 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the US and Caribbean. It’s mission is to unite diverse cultures, and the gifts of Black Episcopalians by providing preparation and encouragement to fully participate in the mission and governance of the Episcopal church.
2) Beloved Community and anti-racism committee at St. David’s Episcopal church- st.dave.org Becoming the Beloved Community works on telling the truth about our churches and race, practices Jesus’s way of healing and reconciliation, and repairing the breaks in institutions and society.
3) All Saints Episcopal Church- allsaints-austin.org Racial reconciliation group has researched the hx. of the country, state, and community, looking at how race and injustice are woven in.
4) Austin Health Commons- austinhealthcommons.org They have been providing racial healing circles. They address historic and contemporary impacts of racism to bring about transformation and sustainable change. The circles provide a safe way to connect with others around the issue of race.
5) Central Texas Collective for Racial Equity- ctcracialequity.org Evolved from Mayor’s Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities. It is tasked with carrying on their work. Monthly meetings, regular newsletter that contains a variety of information related to racial justice.
6) Undoing White Supremacy Austin- undoingwhitesupremacy.org. Offer unlearning circles. A group of people of European descent, whose identities are White. Educate ourselves on racial oppression and support social justice organizing that is led by people of color communities.
7) Measure- wemeasure.org Founded in 2015 to create methodology to measure community policing. Today also looks at health, education and economic disparities. Is data driven.
8) Austin Justice Coalition austinjustice.org A racial justice group focused on building community power for people of color in Austin. They hold general meetings, policy meetings, a book club and town halls. Very involved in making positive changes in Austin.
9) Courageous Conversations. A ministry of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Looks at how deep and historic roots of racism in this country affect us all. They were meeting monthly, but have been involved with APD meetings and haven’t met in a couple of months. If you want more information and to be added to email list, contact Johnnie Dorsey at johnniedd@att.net
10) One Human Race- onehumanraceaustin.org A ministry of Union of Black Episcopalians with conversations about race held in a safe, open environment. The PBS series Race: The Power of an Illusion is often viewed.
11) Building Bridges- prior to pandemic, met weekly with speakers on topics generally related to race. Currently, on zoom, frequency is less, and various topics are presented. To get on the email list, go to Travis County Sheriffs office at tcsheriff.org and scroll down and you will see it listed.
12) BlackAustin Coalition- blackaustincoalition.com Comprised of Black owned businesses, community members, city leaders. Focus is on rebuilding a thriving Black district and economy. The Black Embassy is the centerpiece, which will be in east Austin and will provide resources and information for the community.
13) Communities of Color United- atxccu.org A coalition of individuals and grassroots organizations working for racial justice. Through their Racial and Economic Solidarity Network, they provide food, soup, cash assistance and help navigating resources.
14) Coming to the Table – comingtothetable.org is a national organization that provides leadership, resources and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wounds from racism that are rooted in our history of slavery. There are many local groups around the country- Austin doesn’t have one. For us, there is a monthly meeting for folks around the country without a local group. Go to their website and send them an email about the National Virtual Affiliate Group and they can add you to the email list. Typically we meet the first Saturday of the month from 3-5. I love this group! They also have a monthly guided meditation.
15) NAACP- naacpaustin.com Founded in 1909, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.
