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According to television and radio host Tavis Smiley, the fate of African-American advancement rests on a plan of clear-cut action. Smiley compiled 10 essays to create The Covenant With Black America (Third World Press), a work that lays down the minority's primary social concerns. Each chapter tackles an issue via the presentation of a covenant, a detailed blueprint that offers suggestions for action within local communities. Former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, Princeton University religion professor Cornel West and other contributors write about topics like health, housing and criminal justice.
The Unitarian Society of Germantown's Ending Racism Committee will be implementing Smiley's covenants during monthly discussions running through May. The congregation hopes to confront racism within both its denomination and community; co-chairs Susan Zingale-Baird and Betty Hankins will lead groups on reflection, study and action.
"[The Covenant] is trying to create a dialogue among African-Americans," says Zingale-Baird. "We want to raise awareness of that dialogue."
Wed., Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., free, Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Dr., 215-848-1382, www.usguu.org