Local faith, civil rights leaders talk about creating change

Since May of 2020, and all throughout the trial, there have been calls for changes in policing and a push for social equity. On Thursday, local faith leaders met with a national civil rights leader to discuss how they can make a bigger impact on their congregations. KSTP’s Brandi Powell found out why they want to make changes and their vision for justice through faith.

Diane Waarvik, director of health and wellness ministries at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis, said, "What’s our impact?"

Close to 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where George Floyd Square is located, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS met up with national civil rights icon James Meredith at the nearby "Say Their Names" cemetery.

Initially denied admission because of his race, Meredith became the first Black person to attend the then-segregated University of Mississippi in 1962.

He’s described it as a mission from God, and his work in communities across the country focuses on justice and faith.

"The principal reason I am in Minnesota today is that I want to change the conversation. We have been dealing with everything but the real issues that cause these," he explained, pointing to the headstones at the cemetery.

"It’s time for us to stop lying and start dealing with the truth…The principal problem is that America has failed to deal with the legacy of slavery and the consequences of segregation," Meredith added.

Rabbis, pastors and others met with Meredith to see how faith leaders can help play a role moving forward.

"We actually convene people, so to turn those convenings not only into spaces of celebration and worship but social change," Pastor Kelly Chapman, with the Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement, said.

"I think there’s been some silence, we all talk about how we know racism is a problem but how do we show our voice, how do we use our voice in making it better?" Waarvik said.