NORTHAMPTON — While millions of Americans were preparing dips for their Super Bowl pregame parties, roughly a hundred people gathered at College Church last Sunday to shine a light on racial inequality.

State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, was joined by Forbes librarian Elise Bernier-Feeley, and Sr. Melinda Pellerin, a Sister of St. Joseph in Springfield, were featured presenters at the College Church-sponsored event, “Black History Month: From Christian Abolitionism to White Fragility.”

Sabadosa focused on the more general phenomena of American racism, sharing the story of the Founding Fathers and their own participation in slave ownership, while challenging the conception of the North as the hero of the civil war.

“The United States is a nation that was founded on beautiful ideals of democracy,” said Sabadosa, offering participants the opportunity to question how these ideals have been perverted by what has become over time our “civil religion.”

“Do we hide, or accept our uncomfortable truths?” she asked, adding that especially for those living in progressive communities like Northampton, it is easy to dissociate, disconnect, and minimize the damage caused by a national history of racial inequality.

Bernier-Feeley honed in on the local movement for abolitionism in Northampton, sharing the “anti-authoriatrian” convictions of 19th century local abolitionists, and closing with the invitation for those gathered to dare to be different for a good cause.

Sr. Melinda, who joined Sisters of St. Joseph four years ago after a reputable life in education which includes being awarded Massachusetts teacher of the year, shared her interpretation of the gospel message of reconciliation.

The sister, who is Black, described American racism as carrying with it, “generational trauma,” as she narrated the story of her grandmother being subject to the most heinous forms of racial belittlement.

“I’m not just telling you my story to make you cry and feel better; you must become an ally in the process,” she said.

In her opinion, ending racial discrimination begins by leaving behind white fragility and misconception, and instead actively listening to the story of others’ suffering. White fragility is defined as discomfort and defensiveness on the part of a white person when confronted by information about racial inequality and injustice.

At the same time she invites members of the Black community to vocalize and make their stories heard.

The event was more than simply a conversation on racial inequality, but it also showcased the cultural and religious beauty of Black tradition through music and dance. The deep bass and drums of African heritage filled the church with traditional music and featured dancers wearing vibrant colors.

Music and cultural rituals were shared by Bomba de Aqui, a local group dedicated to the preservation and handing on of Puerto Rican culture, and Evelyn Harris, a local gospel singer who has traveled globally as a Black musician for 40 years.

Sr. Melinda equated traditional dance as an act of praise with the purpose of, “uplifting performers and audiences.” In addition to being an act of praise, the cultural expressions shared also enshrined the “slave” spirituality of suffering, and the journey of overcoming hardship — themes which are relevant to everyone, despite racial heritage.

College Church leaders said Sunday’s event was inspired after the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, which took place in the summer of 2020. Since then, the majority white church has dedicated itself to the mission of ending racial hatred, and has offered several educational events, issued statements of faith, and other initiatives dedicated to ending racial division.

“If we’re going to have change, I think it needs to come from the church,” said Bob Myers, chairman of College Church’s Slavery and Christianity Team, which was responsible for organizing the event in partnership with Forbes Library and the Northampton Historical Society.