Mosaic Returns October 4

Mosaic anti-racism/anti-oppression classes will start again on October 4th.

The metaphor of a mosaic, with its many colors, textures, and shapes, celebrates diversity and multiculturalism.The metaphor also suggests a specific anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens through which we actively observe systemic patterns of racism and oppression and continually re-create new patterns toward the goals of equity and liberation for all.

Mosaic classes encourage open minds and thoughtful, sometimes passionate discussions! Class should be a safe place for everyone to share their experiences, ask questions and join in community in the pursuit of antiracism. In class we say be prepared to be uncomfortable. As we have all been socialized into white supremacy culture (WSC), it requires intentional effort to prioritize BIPOC people’s thriving. Some people bristle when they hear they are still being influenced by WSC. Keep an open mind and come learn with us and, yes, be prepared to be uncomfortable. That's where the growth happens. Please join us!

MOSAIC Common Understandings and Analysis

Race is a social construct, but its systemic effects are real and life-threatening.

While racism is not unique to any particular geographic location, Mosaic’s focus is on racism in the United States.

Impact is as important to acknowledge as intent. We must be willing, personally and collectively, to acknowledge when our words or actions have caused harm. You may be called out in class only if we believe you won't be harmed by it. Because we have unintentionally absorbed white supremacy since birth, and because we live in a society based in structural and cultural racism, we can cause harm without intending or even knowing it. Owning our impact on others is the first move toward meaningful apologies and the hope of repairing relationships.

Everyone is harmed by racism, but white people also benefit from it. Everyone has a role to play in our community’s anti-racist work.

Our society marginalizes BIPOC people’s experiences and concerns, whether intentional or not. Is unintentional racism still racism and should it be called out? Come and share your opinion.

Mosaic believes it's essential to not only correct for an imbalance in systemic power, but also to center active healing and celebration of cultural lifeways. We must intentionally center BIPOC communities in our anti-racist, multicultural transformation. Remember white people have the power.

Anti-racism also needs to include anti-ableism, anti-transphobia, anti-elitism, etc., so that in widening inclusion and protection of one group, we can also widen access and expression of intersecting identities and other groups, having a multiplying effect for liberation.

Challenging systemic oppression is at the heart of being a Unitarian Universalist. As the 8th Principle adopted by hundreds of our UUA member congregations states including Live Oak, building “a diverse multicultural Beloved Community” and acting “to dismantle racism and other oppressions” is an important component of enacting our values in the world. Our Unitarian Universalist shared values, adopted in 2024, affirm the centrality of anti-oppression to our movement and faith.

Questions? Ask Lyndy Dower, Barbara Coldiron or Chris Jarman