• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Catholic Review

Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Menu
  • Home
  • News
        • Local News
        • World News
        • Vatican News
        • Obituaries
        • Featured Video
        • En Español
        • Sports News
        • Official Clergy Assignments
        • Schools News
  • Commentary
        • Contributors
          • Question Corner
          • George Weigel
          • Elizabeth Scalia
          • Michael R. Heinlein
          • Effie Caldarola
          • Guest Commentary
        • CR Columnists
          • Archbishop William E. Lori
          • Rita Buettner
          • Christopher Gunty
          • George Matysek Jr.
          • Mark Viviano
          • Father Joseph Breighner
          • Father Collin Poston
          • Robyn Barberry
          • Hanael Bianchi
          • Amen Columns
  • Entertainment
        • Events
        • Movie & Television Reviews
        • Arts & Culture
        • Books
        • Recipes
  • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Our History
        • Meet Our Staff
        • Photos to own
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • CR Media platforms
        • Electronic Edition
  • Advertising
  • Shop
        • Purchase Photos
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • Magazine Subscriptions
        • Archdiocesan Directory
  • CR Radio
        • CR Radio
        • Protagonistas de Fe
  • News Tips
  • Subscribe
Flowers are placed in security fencing around the U.S. Capitol in Washington Jan. 11, days after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the the building. (Erin Scott, Reuters/CNS Photo)

The good and the ugly

February 3, 2021
By Sherita Thomas
Special to the Catholic Review
Filed Under: Amen, Black Catholic Ministry, Commentary, Racial Justice

Share
Share on Facebook
Share
Share this
Pin
Pin this
Share
Share on LinkedIn

I am speechless. I have been struggling to talk about the recent insurrection in Washington, D.C., with my daughters.

We talk about everything. I promised to tell them about the good and ugly parts of life. It is becoming more and more difficult for me. I now understand why my great grandfather did not tell me the entire story about his move from the South to Baltimore as a young boy.

While I am struggling with my words, the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Racism Work Group is ending the first phase of its work. I did not have to find the words because my oldest daughter glanced at the television (I thought she was working on her homework) and told me that racism is wrong and all humans should act better, especially the people who went to the Capitol.

I talk about racism and equality, as well as the goals of the racism work group, with my daughters. Sometimes they stand outside my work-fromhome pandemic workspace, waiting for a Zoom meeting to end.

It has been six months since the racism work group reconvened. The first phase of its work focused on outlining recommendations and building dialogue. The next phase will focus on the implementation of key recommendations, short-term and longer-term, that will be presented to Archbishop William E. Lori. Listening sessions and interviews were held by myself and the consultants. The findings informed my approaches.

I heard about the pain, challenges and impact of racism. I also heard personal stories about resilience, perseverance and dedication. The findings resulted in a defined path for each month, dedicated to key action steps with defined timeframes.

The months of July and August were focused on reflection and formation. The work group charter was finalized to detail the scope of the efforts. September was dedicated to expanding dialogue and discussing practices and processes to root out bias. The desired outcome is to create a culture of belonging for people of all races within the church.

We also launched work group subcommittees to ensure a comprehensive review of needs and help develop resources and ways to attract new members.

From October to November, we worked to define the change we would like to see as it relates to racial justice in the archdiocese and community. I believe that we must understand and address the history of racism, how it functions, why it persists and how we can uproot and replace it with justice and equality. This means teaching truthfully about our history, both the good and the ugly parts.

We also hosted learning labs for the Catholic Center and school staff to explore ways to combat racism. December and January were dedicated to documenting the recommendations and path forward.

I am hopeful that the racism initiative will assist with ending the pattern of disregard seen too often displayed for Black lives. I hope this effort is a journey for the Archdiocese of Baltimore instead of just a project.

Finally, I encourage all of us to see Black History Month as an opportunity to observe, celebrate and learn of the strengths, struggles, resistance – and the sheer perseverance of the Black community.

Also see

Juneteenth

Juneteenth seen as day to reflect on freedom, ending racism and Black Catholics’ contributions

Is immigration history in the United States cyclical?

Our heart of darkness

Dean of Georgetown Law says interim U.S. attorney’s DEI threat attacks its Catholic mission

Rev. King’s legacy involves ‘uniting our nation as one community of hope,’ cardinal says

Pope calls for inclusion of Romani people in the church

Copyright © 2021 Catholic Review Media

Print Print

Share
Share on Facebook
Share
Share this
Pin
Pin this
Share
Share on LinkedIn

Primary Sidebar

Sherita Thomas

View all posts from this author

| Recent Commentary |

Cupcakes with 2025 graduation toothpicks in them and a bowl of cookies

Our 31-hour Road Trip

St. Paul and discovering that sin is ‘missing the mark’

Six lit candles on a chocolate birthday cake

Making a birthday wish come true

Pilgrims of Hope: Walking the Way of St. Francis in the Year of Jubilee

The fisherman and the pharisee

| Recent Local News |

Archbishop Lori announces clergy appointments, including pastor and associate pastors

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Double the learning: Dual enrollment provides college credit to high school students

St. Mary’s purchases former Annapolis Area Christian School

Radio Interview: Exploring the Nicene Creed – Part Two

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer adapts to times, cultures as it celebrates 100th anniversary

| Catholic Review Radio |

CatholicReview · Catholic Review Radio

Footer

Our Vision

Real Life. Real Faith. 

Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond.

Our Mission

Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform, teach, inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media.

Contact

Catholic Review
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-3150
mail@CatholicReview.org

 

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent

  • Judge blocks Trump birthright citizenship order as part of class action lawsuit
  • Ukraine religious leaders issue ‘desperate cry’ to world to end Russia’s war
  • Pope Leo wears Chicago-made vestments to July 9 ‘care of creation’ Mass
  • Movie Review: Sorry, Baby
  • ICE deports Iowa parishioner to Guatemala homeland as supporters pray for his release
  • Come away and rest awhile
  • French woman hopes sharing mystical encounter with Minnesota Benedictine helps sainthood cause
  • Pope: Vatican still ready to host peace talks between Russia, Ukraine
  • Archbishop Lori announces clergy appointments, including pastor and associate pastors

Search

Membership

Catholic Media Assocation

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

The Associated Church Press

© 2025 CATHOLIC REVIEW MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

en Englishes Spanish
en en