The Commission on Racism works within and through the Diocese of Pittsburgh to witness to the equality of persons before God and to raise awareness of racism and how to counteract it. Because racism, both overt and hidden, continues to harm our communities and parishes, the Commission suggests that prayer and practical actions to combat racism be a part of every parish’s program.
The Commission recommends these upcoming events for your consideration and calendars:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Lecture: Law and Order and Race: The Role Race Plays in our Criminal Justice System
Distinguished Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law David Harris
7 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum of Art Theater
Free; museum admission is not included. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Despite talk of a post-racial society, race continues to play a role in the American criminal justice system. For the most part, this is not purposeful racism but unconscious bias. Nevertheless, the effects show up in law enforcement practices. We see this in various forms of racial profiling and racial targeting; the enforcement of drug laws; the diminished effectiveness of police; and the damaged relationship between police and those they serve. Ways to address these issues exist; we can do better.
Harris is a Distinguished Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Performance: Vishala: Expanse, The Spilling Ink Project
2 p.m. at the Carnegie Museum Hall of Sculpture
Free with museum admission
Washington DC -based The Spilling Ink Project, a classical Indian dance company led by Vijay Palaparty and Nalini Prakash, presents Vishala: Expanse. This program premieres choreography specially commissioned by Carnegie Museum of Natural History for RACE: Are We So Different?, in a featured piece called Untitle. Other works, including Ardhanareeswara, showcase the company’s focus on interdisciplinary and intercultural connections.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Lecture: Eavesdropping on America's Conversation on Race
Michele Norris
7 p.m. at Carnegie Music Hall
Tickets $10-$25; click here to purchase tickets.
Michele Norris is an award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience. In September, 2010, Norris released her first book, The Grace of Silence: A Memoir, which focuses on how America talks about race in the wake of Barack Obama’s presidential election, and explores her own family's racial legacy. She is currently a host and special correspondent for NPR. Previously, Norris served as co-host of NPR's newsmagazine All Things Considered, public radio's longest-running national program. Her research, writing, and programs about race and racism are world-renowned.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Family-focused Event: Genealogy Day
Noon—4 p.m. in the Earth Theater, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Free with museum admission
Enjoy lectures, demonstrations, and activities that explore ways to research and record your family history. Learn about valuable resources to get you started or to continue your work more efficiently online and in person. Meet genealogy specialists and find out how this topic is related to RACE: Are We So Different?