Racial Justice for the Long Haul | Dr. Christine Jeske

In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Rebecca Cooks sits down with Dr. Christine Jeske—professor, researcher, and author of Racial Justice for the Long Haul: How White Christian Advocates Persevere and Why. Christine shares compelling stories and research on what sustains hope and commitment in the pursuit of racial justice. From personal experiences to systemic challenges, we explore why this work is not a quick fix but a lifelong journey rooted in grace, resilience, and community.

What You'll Learn

· Why racial justice requires more than short-term activism.

· Four common pitfalls that derail perseverance—and how to navigate them.

· The role of lament, mending, risk-taking, and joy in sustaining advocacy.

· How Christian hope reframes our approach to justice.

· Practical insights for white Christians seeking long-term engagement.

Resources & Links

· Book: https://a.co/d/azCpsPj

· Past Episodes & Resources: slbf.org/studio

Key Quotes

“We are seeking out a justice that moves to community rather than a justice that says, ‘All right, we’re all even now.’”

“Grace is not about saying, ‘Oh, it’s fine.’ You can’t forgive something unless you’ve named what was wrong.”

“Sometimes the best way to fix it is just to live it.”