Welcome to The Empathetic Imagination! This newsletter was born out of my interest in the relationship between the arts and spiritual formation, particularly the cultivation of empathy (which also led to my book). In this weekly newsletter, we will look at the connections between art, theology, and the hard work of being a loving, truthful human being. Thank you to all who subscribe, especially those who have opted for a paid subscription. This helps me to continue to do this work! Along with writing on the arts and theology, I will be offering some (non-credit) go–at–your-own–pace courses on these topics for paid subscribers.
Hello!
I am still taking a writing break for the next few weeks, but I could not let Juneteenth pass by without the following important recommendation, especially as I so often hear white friends asking what they can do to honor Juneteenth.
Here is one answer (among many) to that question: continue to educate yourself!
There is a great opportunity to do this tonight from your own living room. Dr. Christina Edmondson and Ekemini Uwan of Truth’s Table will be hosting a virtual watch party with Rev. Rasool Berry, the narrator of an incredible new film called Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom. I have recently seen the film myself, and I have heard each of these wonderful folks speak on multiple occasions. I cannot recommend the film and this powerful live pairing enough! You can RSVP for tonight’s event by scanning the QR code below.
If you cannot make the live watch party, you can watch the documentary any time for free below:
I also want to recommend the great work of Truth’s Table, both their podcast and their book.
There are many ways to learn and reflect upon the significance of this day. I hope you are able to take some time to do so!
Oh thank you so much for these resources, Mary! This is a subject I feel uneducated about (embarrassingly so), so I am so grateful to have someone like you who I trust bc of your Christ-centered, deeply thoughtful and well-read perspective!