Interconnected Roots of Oppression
Understanding Racial Capitalism as Structure Behind Systemic Inequality
Wednesday Learning Series | February 18—March 25 | 7:10-8:40 p.m. | Parish Hall
The abolition of slavery did not end systemic racism. The structures that made slavery possible — a political economy rooted in extraction, exploitation, and inequality — remain firmly in place. They were redesigned and repackaged to reproduce advantage and disadvantage with relentless precision. When we look beyond individual prejudice and turn our attention to the deeper architecture of racial capitalism, the machinery of interconnected oppressions comes sharply into view. As scholar-activist Ruth Wilson Gilmore makes unmistakably clear: “Capitalism requires inequality, and racism enshrines it... The capitalism we have inherited, constantly producing and reproducing itself, will continue to depend on racial practice and racial hierarchy, no matter what. This is another way of saying we can't undo racism without undoing capitalism.”
This learning series invites us into dialogue circles where we share our lived experiences and questions, examine the deeper roots of injustice, and strengthen our understanding of the interconnected systems of oppression. Moving in parallel with the aims of ISAIAH’s People’s Agenda, we will imagine new possibilities and cultivate collective action toward genuine transformation.
This program series, grounded in dialogue circles, is primarily designed to be an in person experience. A remote option is available for the first session, and based on interest, additional online learning opportunities may be offered through Justice Learning Partners.
Circles for Deeper Reflection: Interconnected Roots of Oppression
Sponsored by Unity’s Racial Justice Team, the Circle for Deeper Reflection is a two-hour facilitated circle offered as a companion to the Wellspring Wednesday Interconnected Roots of Oppression Series. The circles will provide participants with an opportunity to:
Wednesday Learning Series | February 18—March 25 | 7:10-8:40 p.m. | Parish Hall
The abolition of slavery did not end systemic racism. The structures that made slavery possible — a political economy rooted in extraction, exploitation, and inequality — remain firmly in place. They were redesigned and repackaged to reproduce advantage and disadvantage with relentless precision. When we look beyond individual prejudice and turn our attention to the deeper architecture of racial capitalism, the machinery of interconnected oppressions comes sharply into view. As scholar-activist Ruth Wilson Gilmore makes unmistakably clear: “Capitalism requires inequality, and racism enshrines it... The capitalism we have inherited, constantly producing and reproducing itself, will continue to depend on racial practice and racial hierarchy, no matter what. This is another way of saying we can't undo racism without undoing capitalism.”
This learning series invites us into dialogue circles where we share our lived experiences and questions, examine the deeper roots of injustice, and strengthen our understanding of the interconnected systems of oppression. Moving in parallel with the aims of ISAIAH’s People’s Agenda, we will imagine new possibilities and cultivate collective action toward genuine transformation.
This program series, grounded in dialogue circles, is primarily designed to be an in person experience. A remote option is available for the first session, and based on interest, additional online learning opportunities may be offered through Justice Learning Partners.
- February 18: Foundations of Racial Capitalism
- February 25: Land, Ownership, and Housing Justice
- March 4: Borders, Policing, and the Politics of Belonging
- March 11: Finance, Debt, and the Cost of Inequality
- March 18: Universal Care and the Struggle for Collective Well Being
- March 25: Fossil Capitalism and Imagining New Futures
Circles for Deeper Reflection: Interconnected Roots of Oppression
Sponsored by Unity’s Racial Justice Team, the Circle for Deeper Reflection is a two-hour facilitated circle offered as a companion to the Wellspring Wednesday Interconnected Roots of Oppression Series. The circles will provide participants with an opportunity to:
- Slow down, reflect, and deepen their understanding of what they have learned in the series, and
- Consider how this learning supports meaningful next steps in understanding the interconnected roots of oppression.
Justice Learning Partners
Wednesday, April 15 | 7:10 p.m. | Zoom
The Justice Learning Partners (JLP) program has been rescheduled from February 18 to Wednesday, April 15, so you can take advantage of two other series: Interconnected Roots of Capitalism and WEAV. If you would like to read and study on your own, we'd suggest On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder or the Sum of Us podcast. JLP will be back on April 15 with new resources; register here.
The Justice Learning Partners (JLP) program has been rescheduled from February 18 to Wednesday, April 15, so you can take advantage of two other series: Interconnected Roots of Capitalism and WEAV. If you would like to read and study on your own, we'd suggest On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder or the Sum of Us podcast. JLP will be back on April 15 with new resources; register here.
Theologies of Racial Justice
A Series Presented by Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson
This three-part series will explore Unitarian Universalist theologies of racial justice and the liberal theological tradition in which they are rooted. What theological resources equip UUs to live out the antiracist, anti-oppression values of our faith?
Session 3
The Audacity to Imagine Sisyphus Happy: Anthony Pinn and African American Naturalistic Humanism
Tuesday, January 30 | Zoom video
Session 1
Constructing Unitarian Universalist Theologies: Historic Traditions and Future Prospects
Wednesday, January 17 | Zoom video | Slide presentation
Session 2
The Inescapable Network of Mutuality: Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community and Bernard Loomer’s "Big" God
Tuesday, January 23 | Zoom video
This three-part series will explore Unitarian Universalist theologies of racial justice and the liberal theological tradition in which they are rooted. What theological resources equip UUs to live out the antiracist, anti-oppression values of our faith?
Session 3
The Audacity to Imagine Sisyphus Happy: Anthony Pinn and African American Naturalistic Humanism
Tuesday, January 30 | Zoom video
Session 1
Constructing Unitarian Universalist Theologies: Historic Traditions and Future Prospects
Wednesday, January 17 | Zoom video | Slide presentation
Session 2
The Inescapable Network of Mutuality: Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community and Bernard Loomer’s "Big" God
Tuesday, January 23 | Zoom video
Beloved Community NewsA blog sharing information, reflections, and learning opportunities from Unity's Beloved Communications Staff Team.
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Justice DatabaseSide With Love, Minnesota Resource Kit: ICE Out of Minnesota, January 2026
Find here calls to action, organizations, and more to help “Unitarian Universalists respond with fierce love and clear strategy.” Now available in The Justice Database. |