What We're Doing

On this MLK Day 2023, we are reminded of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to ensure that the United States of America lives up to its promises of justice and liberty for all. We remember, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Racial injustice continues to plague our nation; thus, the Truth and Conciliation Commission continues its mission of truth-telling and laying the foundations for racial conciliation in the United States. To such end, we have been working with national and local partners submitting proposals to help guide Iowa and Portland in their distinct truth-telling commissions mandated by city ordinances. Both cities have sent out requests for proposals for local and national organizations to facilitate their racial truth-telling processes. Should our proposals become accepted, we will be able to establish and launch models of truth and conciliatory work for local communities across the country in hopes of one day guiding a national truth commission. 

Additionally, the TCC has been a partner with researchers addressing racial discrimination amongst major homeowners insurance agencies disproportionately denying the claims of Black homeowners. A growing class action lawsuit against State Farm has been filed. Learn more about the data collection that we have supported and the suit in the New York Times.

Throughout 2023, the TCC will continue to strategically partner with organizations, institutions, communities, and government agencies to uncover and systematically address truthful experiences and impacts of racism in America. Also, we will continue to facilitate anti-oppression training and conciliation-building workshops. Please continue to support our efforts throughout the year and share with individuals, communities, and agencies that will benefit from access to our services and work. 

In this season of thankfulness and giving, we are thankful for your courageous presence in our community. So we have two opportunities for you!

If you are local to Colorado Springs, join us in support of The Greenberg Center for Learning and Tolerance’s screening of the documentary “Red Horizon,” followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and two of the film’s pilots. To reserve your tickets, click here RED HORIZON Tickets, Mon, Dec 6, 2021 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite

Additionally, wherever you are in Cyberspace, join us for Nurturing Justice’s conversation with Obery Hendricks—author of “Christians Against Christianity” on Dec. 9, 2021 at 6 PM. Visit the following hyperlink to register, Meeting Registration – Zoom

https://truthandconciliation.org/547-2/

Did you know the Truth and Conciliation Commission offers workshops, seminars, and directed keynotes by vetted anti-oppression facilitators? As you and your organization plan for the upcoming year, think about how you can become more invested in anti-oppression work. Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion while growing to become more skilled in anti-racist and anti-oppression practices is a lifelong process. So, whether you, a group of your friends, colleagues, faith community, business, or organization are looking for a workshop, seminar, or full on equity audit with strategic planning guidance, reach out to us at team@truthandconciliation.org today.

While we are capable of crafting experiences based on your specific needs, download the file below for some of our standard offerings.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for an amazing year of impact! Over the past year and a half the Truth and Conciliation Commission has been hard at work elevating the need for authentic and courageous dialogues facing us as a society wanting to recover from racism.

In June we hosted our inaugural Juneteenth Summit, with keynote speaker Congresswoman Cori Bush and critical presenters—Artist/Healer Norma Johnson, Artist and Rev. J.Kwest and scholars Dr. Jamie Washington, Mark Charles and Dr. Carolyn Ross. Click the hyperlinked names for the recordings of their presentations.

This year we have also continued our coalition work with Just Democracy and have spent considerable time advocating for the abolition of the filibuster, expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court, protection of voting rights, statehood for D.C. and truthful understanding of Critical Race Theory. Each of these issues are critical elements in protecting our Democracy and setting a foundation for a grassroots-led federal commission on Truth and Conciliation.

As we look ahead to 2022, we are gearing up for our annual Juneteenth Summit. Details will be forthcoming in the new year!

Additionally, if you or any organization to which you belong or support are in desire or need of beginning the work towards dismantling racism, we are offering customizable organizational workshops with Truth and Conciliation Commission verified facilitators. Click this link to take a look at our offerings. We know the journey is long and complex, let us help navigate the terrain.

We are grateful for your participation and support this past year. We look forward to continued connection in this work in 2022 and beyond.

Today marks the first year that a Presidential Proclamation acknowledges Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a day to reclaim and re-center the lives, contributions, and histories of Indigenous Peoples in this place called the United States. The movement to tell richer, fuller and more truthful narratives about U.S. histories in this way began in 1977 at a United Nations conference. Today, several states, counties and municipalities across the country are acknowledging the suffering and resiliency, as well as the tremendous contributions of indigenous communities to the development of the United States of America. 

If we are to ever become the society we fantasize ourselves to be, we must embrace the unearthing of uncomfortable truths that have been our past and present. We must use opportunities like today to learn what we have buried deep, or purposefully ignored and begin to develop a “common memory”for U.S. society, as a scholar and spiritual healer Mark Charles advocates. There are many reading lists to begin our un/learning and here are just a few:

• https://indigenoushistory.wordpress.com/reading-list/ 
• https://notevenpast.org/new-books-in-native-american-and-indigenous-studies-you-need-to-read-on-indigenous-peoples-day/
• https://www.nypl.org/blog/2020/10/09/honoring-indigenous-peoples-recommended-reads 

The Truth and Conciliation Commission is committed to helping the peoples of the United States navigate the necessary un/learnings that we must do ignorer to know, speak and live the truth of who we are and becoming. Please, share the resources that are provided, support our growth, and join us in future learning opportunities and direct actions.

To financially support the growth and work of the TCC please visit https://truthandconciliation.org/donate/

One month ago, the Truth and Conciliation Commission hosted its inaugural Juneteenth Summit. Participants from across the country gathered together to hear from renowned anti-racism thought-leaders regarding some uncomfortable truths. Attendees learned from the experiences of artistic spiritual healers like Rev. Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier and Norma Johnson; to BIPOC teachers Mark Charles, Rev. Jamie Washington, and Miguel de la Torre; to political leader Congresswoman Cori Bush over the three-day summit.

While things may have been uncomfortable at times, we also rose to the occasion to not only face these truths but to stay engaged in actively dismantling the systems, policies and behaviors that perpetuate racism in the United States today. Subsequently, the work of TCC continues and needs your support. Check out some these highlights from the summit; then invest in the continued work of the TCC.

We can not do this work alone. Invest in the Truth and Conciliation Commission today!*

^{*The Truth and Conciliation Commission is a registered 501(c)(3) with IRS Exempt status. Donations are tax deductible.}