Liz Alston Racial Justice & Reconciliation Book Study Turns Ten

Submitted by Taylor Skardon

The Liz Alston Racial Justice & Reconciliation Book Study was formed in 2016 by the Rev. Callie Walpole in response to the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church. The purpose of the study was to better understand the perspectives of those of different races and use that knowledge to promote racial justice in our own lives and our community.  Initially the study’s members were from Grace and Mount Zion AME Church, but its work quickly attracted participants from across the Lowcountry. 

One of the most active participants was longtime educator and historian Liz Alston. A former teacher, principal, Charleston County Board Chair and historian at Mother Emanuel, Mrs. Alston encouraged all members to share their thoughts so other members of the group could understand how racial justice inequities in our communities affected them in their daily lives.  In a 2020 interview with the Episcopal News Service, Mrs. Alston “suggested that white neighbors who aren’t sure how best to support racial healing shouldn’t feel discouraged from the work. Start slow, but do something, Write a letter to the editor. Start a conversation in the neighborhood. Confront a relative who has expressed racist views.” 

Encouraged by Mrs. Alston’s words, members of the group have been surprised by what they have learned, changed their own behaviors and become more active in supporting racial justice initiatives in their communities. It is a life changing study. In February of 2022, Mrs. Alston passed away, but her memory, words and legacy live on in the group now named in her honor.