Upcoming Events & Programs

Teen Poet Laureate 2023

Entries due April 21, 2023

ARJ recently announced the upcoming poetry competition for High School teens who attend St. James or Resurrection United Methodist churches, either in person or online. The competition will now officially open on March 17 and entries will be accepted until April 21. Original 21+ line poems can be created on topics around either Juneteenth or Racial Justice. One Teen Poet Laureate will be selected from each church and will receive $500 for their creative endeavor. Winners will be announced and will present their poem at the ARJ Juneteenth Celebration on June 24.

A Raisin in the Sun

Mar. 19, 2023

Kansas City Black Repertory Theatre | Cost: $13-20

A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway. The play, by Lorraine Hansberry, tells the story of a South Chicago Black family’s experiences as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of their father. This heartfelt play deals with continued relevant issues such as housing discrimination, assimilation, generational divides, and racism. The ARJ block of discount tickets for the Sunday, March 19 matinee performance has sold out. You can still join us by purchasing regular priced tickets at the Kansas City Black Repertory Theatre HERE or the White Theatre at The J Box Office at 913-327-8054 or boxoffice@thejkc.org.

The Many Colors of God's Love

Insights to Multiracial Foster Care & Adoption

Apr. 11, 2023

Plan to join us next month for this thoughtful discussion as we explore the ins and outs of multiracial foster care and adoption. How does it work and how does it impact children, teenagers, families and communities? Participants are encouraged to watch the movie “The Color of Love”, available on youtube.com and other streaming services prior to the class, as it will be part of the conversation. ARJ’s Patricia Ross will lead a panel that includes middle school counselor Lynette Walker; foster and adoptive parent Dr. Traci Marshall; and businessman, volunteer and foster advocate David Rock. Register now to participate using THIS LINK. A link to join the Zoom event will be sent to you prior to April 11.

Truman's Civil Rights "Aha!" Moment

Awareness to Action Workshop

Apr. 22, 2023 | Resurrection Leawood, Bldg B

Have you ever had an “Aha!” moment where something happened that forever changed how you saw the world and your role in it? Join us for ARJ’s first large event of 2023 and learn about hometown President, Harry Truman’s big Aha moment that moved him from his segregated upbringing to desegregating the military and federal agencies, and the ripple effect that followed.

In addition to learning this important history, our half-day workshop will help us discover the personal power we each possess and how it can be used for the betterment of all. Senior Pastors Adam Hamilton, Resurrection, and Emanuel Clever III, St. James, will participate. The workshop is free and open to all. There will be a light breakfast served and workshop materials provided, so please register for our planning purposes.

Allies for Racial Justice (ARJ) is a partnership between St. James United Methodist Church and Resurrection, A United Methodist Church. ARJ exists with the purpose of forging authentic relationships to eliminate the existing racial divid in our communities and churches.