Newman Congregational Church, UCC

racial equity team

Historically, American institutions, including religious institutions, have contributed to the unequal treatment of many of its marginalized citizens, particularly those identified as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Unjust policies involving housing, elections, hiring and education opportunities are examples that continue to hinder this large segment of our society. Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ formed a Racial Equity Team three years ago to address some of these issues.

OUR VISION

We envision a community where our relationships, institutions and social systems provide equitable support and resources for all.

OUR MISSION

The Racial Equity Team of Newman UCC will be a leader within our community exposing, naming and dismantling racism, white supremacy and all forms of prejudice. This work will exist within the life of this church and beyond to build awareness, solutions, and leadership for racial justice.

We define racial justice as equitable treatment, opportunities and outcomes for people of all races and ethnicities.

Fall 2025

DISCUSSION Group

For the last five years, the Racial Equity Team (RET) has sponsored the reading of over 35 books around social justice issues. The theme for the 2025-26 program year is "Banning Books" - what, why and the consequences of this practice, which has increased in recent years.

On the third Tuesday of the month at 7pm via Zoom we will meet and discuss. Scroll down to view the topics for each month.

Contact Michelle White in the Church Office for the zoom link to join the conversation.

Discussion Group Agenda

Click on the month below for the upcoming topic of conversation.

On December 16, RET participants will be offered a variety of adult banned books for discussion on what leads a book to be banned. Choose one of the books and be prepared to discuss why, where and when the book was banned and to reflect on the importance of the book to education and American literature.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, 1970 about growing up 1941
Beloved by Toni Morrison, 1987 about post slavery
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie, 2007, as a more contemporary banned book.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston, 1937, a PBS Great America Read, top 100 books.

indigenous connections

Understanding our relationship with the Pokanoket (Wampanoag) people who were the original inhabitants of the land where this church is located.

Worship together with a significant group of Pokanoket and celebrating the new historical marker on Newman Avenue in October 2022 were highlights.

In February of 2023, we voted to adopt this Land Acknowledgment Statement.

THree Sisters Garden

For the past two years, the garden group has planted a Three Sisters Garden to reflect and honor the Pokonoket heritage of the land upon which our church stands. With guidance from the Pokonokets, we have planted the three sisters: corn, beans (to climb the corn and to fix nitrogen in the soil), and squash (to shade the roots and limit weeds) in three mounds. Fish was added to each mound to provide fertilizer. Corn was planted when oak leaves were as big as a mouse’s ear, beans were planted when the corn was 10 inches in height, and zucchini and pumpkins were planted between the mounds. Effort was made to plant seeds on the full moon. Produce was donated to the Good Neighbors Food Pantry.

Scholarship aid

Newman UCC Racial Equity Team

Seeks Applications for Community Scholarship

Historically, American institutions have contributed to the unequal and sometimes violent treatment of many of their citizens. Recent gun deaths and other tragic events have highlighted unfair policies that continue to fuel unrest and poverty everywhere. To ensure that this church supports racial equity and social justice with advocacy and meaningful actions, the Racial Equity Team at Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ offers scholarship aid - between $1k-$3k to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) who are pursuing education beyond high school in 2025-26.

We intend these awards to help further the dreams and aspirations of marginalized students in southern New England.

Scholarship applicants will include an essay describing their motivation and plans for their future.

Dates: Accepting Applications - Closed for 2025 - Check back in the Spring of 2026

Application Deadline – TBA

Applicants Notified – TBA

Criteria: Identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)

Pursuing higher education or training post-high school

Has financial need

If individuals or businesses in the community would like to partner with the Newman UCC Racial Equity Team in supporting the Community Scholarship, contributions may be made to Newman UCC at the address below or online HERE.

Newman Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is located at 100 Newman Avenue, PO Box 4764, Rumford, RI 02916. For more information, call the church office at 401-434-4742 X10.

resources

Click on each title for more information

books

The Color of Law

The New Jim Crow

Between the World and Me

White Fragility

Just Mercy

The Rebel Marcus Madison

How To Be An Antiracist

I'm Still Here

Stamped From The Beginning