Ami Chen Mills in dialogue with her former co-host at Moment of Truth, Alvin Dawkins, a spiritual student and teacher who grew up in the Deep South–in Alabama–during the Civil Rights movement era and in the heart of the Black Church. In this episode, the two discuss the differences between mostly white “self-help” oriented, highly individualistic spiritual approaches and religions (including the white, evangelical church) and the traditions of Black Americans, which are often rooted in liberation theology—in survival, hope, community and overcoming injustice. Can the two worlds (of self-help spirituality and a more socially engaged, community oriented spirituality) come together? Where are they currently coming together? Do they need to come together?
Resources:
Martin Luther King, Jr. “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”: https://letterfromjail.com/
Gaza Zine: Calling for a Dharma Response
New Science and Non-duality Film, “Where Olive Trees Weep: No One is Free Until We are All Free”
Moment of Truth “bonus videos” with Alvin and Ami on views of racism, voting rights and racial issues in general, in the U.S.
On voting rights, the voting rights act and the “Southern Strategy.”
