As we prepare to celebrate the American ideals of freedom, individuality, and liberty this Independence Day weekend, I invite our community members to reflect upon what each of us can do to uphold these lofty ideals in our modern context.
To support this reflection, below is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion resource library. I encourage anyone who is seeking to learn more and make a difference to engage with these resources. The materials currently housed in the resource library come from our partners at the Free Library of Philadelphia, The New Teacher Project (TNTP), and the Mercy Volunteers. Community members are encouraged to recommend additional resources through a form on our school website. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion online resource library is one step in what will be an ongoing commitment moving forward.
The links represent different viewpoints in the discussion of what's happening right now. As educators, we believe its important to understand various viewpoints on important discussions going on in our world. It is our hope that some of the information provided here will contribute to informing your personal viewpoints.
Please also view this resource page from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- Hugh Quigley
Principal of Ss. Neumann Goretti High School
Articles
Article: After the Flag Comes Down
There’s growing momentum to take down Confederate flags, but our work to denounce systemic racism cannot stop at symbolic markers.
Article: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson Regarding the Black Catholic Experience in America
Fr. Josh Johnson is the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and the Co-Chair for the Commission in Racial Harmony. He is also the author of several books, including Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation and is the host of the weekly podcast, Ask Fr. Josh.
Article: Avoiding Racial
Students experiencing racism can’t wait for schools to move at their own pace and comfort level.
Article: Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and Racism
Consideration of racism is grounded in fundamental scriptural beliefs: equal dignity of all people, created in God’s image; and Christ’s redemption of all. The Catechism of the Catholic Church spells this out…
Article: Pope Francis - No Tolerance for Racism
Pope Francis spoke at the General Audience about the protests in the United States following the killing of George Floyd, saying we cannot claim to defend the sacredness of every human life while turning a blind eye to racism and exclusion.
Article: Teaching Your Child About Black History
By kindergarten, most children have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They are taught that he, like Mahatma Gandhi, was an advocate for peace and equality. However, consider going beyond Dr. King. For example, teach your child about Rosa Parks…
Resources
Archbishop Perez Statement on the Death of George Floyd
Archbishop Pérez issued the following response to all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia regarding the death of George Floyd
Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Response to Racism
Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Official Response to Racism resource page.
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Social Justice
Vatican’s writing regarding the Catechism of the Catholic Church – specifically on Social Justice.
Children's Books for Anti-bias Education Topics
Llist of children’s picture books as companions to each of the chapters in the new Anti-bias Education book. Topic including Culture & Language, Racial Identity, Economic Class, and many others.
NAACP Criminal Justice Fact Sheet
The criminal justice system is heavily impacted by the bias of police mentality, as well as outdated judicial precedents. It is largely driven by racial disparities, which directly obstruct and deconstruct our minority communities…
USCCB on Catholic Social Teaching
“Catholic social teaching is a central and essential element of our faith…”
USCCB Pastoral Letter on Racism
Racism is an evil which endures in our society and in our Church. Despite apparent advances and even significant changes in the last two decades, the reality of racism remains…
Museums & Projects
Talking About Race
Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. We are here to provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution built by a major United States city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans.
Equal Justice Institution
The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery
The Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery provides a unique historical perspective into the reality of slavery for Africans brought to America. It is the only museum of its kind in Philadelphia that exhibits authentic slavery artifacts.
Project: Chronicling Resistance
Amplifying 300+ years of resistance in the archives, preserving records of today’s acts of resistance.
Did We Miss A Resource?
Please share any resources on the topic of Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion that you find helpful. We will post them on this page for the SNG community to view.
