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Congregational Research & Archival Project

Sister Souurce, Inc. partnered with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta to pilot a project to unearth and document BIPOC histories that are often untold—especially those of queer, disabled, or female-identified members of our UU congregations.

The goal was to research and preserve the stories of BIPOC Unitarian Universalists at the congregational level and encourage communities to explore and document the presence and contributions of BIPOC members, past and present. Laypeople were trained in basic research skills to help carry this work forward.

The project also aimed to expand the capacity of BIPOC UUs by providing resources, encouraging connection through networks like DRUUMM and BLUU, and creating tools to replicate the work in other congregations. Stories and biographies collected were vetted and submitted to the Dictionary of UU Biographies (DUUB), and creative worship materials—including a “Story for All Ages”—were developed from the research findings.

Deliverables included a video or slide presentation, a facilitator’s handbook, and a congregational worship service. The project ran from September 2021 through December 2022.

This work helped shift historical focus from well-known figures to the everyday people who shape and sustain UU life. By uplifting these stories, the project corrected the narrative of UU history to be more inclusive and affirmed for BIPOC UUs that their stories matter and belong.

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