Anti Racism Task Force Hosts (ARTF) Free Concert In The Park & Silent Auction

On a warm, yet slightly cool, Saturday evening, all of the pieces seemed to fall into place, so the Anti Racism Task Force (ARTF) was able to successfully host a free concert and silent auction on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lake Redding Park’s gazebo.

As told by ARTF’s President, Eddie McAllister:

“The ARTF free concert in the park—and silent auction—was a fundraiser for the upcoming film series called “Our Shared History,” which will be shown at the First United Methodist Church, which is on the corner of South and East streets in Redding, beginning with the first film on Saturday, July 25, 2026.”  McAllister concludes, “Our Shared History is a film series that shares  our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the lives of all ethnic groups to increase understanding of our history as it relates to racism.”

Read what Sue Kermode, chairperson of the ARTF free concert (and silent auction) in the park event, had to say. "The free Concert was put on by ARTF to raise funds for the 'Our Shared History' film series.  We had a good turnout, enjoyed some great music, and had fun bidding on baskets of goodies.  Taco la Benediction was there, offering delicious food.  Everyone seemed to enjoy visiting, eating, and listening to music.”

Kermode continues:  “ARTF believes we must talk about what divides us as well as how we can build bridges and commit to institutional equity.  ARTF continues to create an arena and a framework for these important conversations.  Understanding one’s own culture and those of others, and the ability to worship, live, and work effectively and in harmony with diverse persons and nature, helps us develop intercultural competence.  The last half of this millennium has been marked by world-altering warring, colonialism, and exploitation based on skin color prejudice, notions of manifest destiny, racism, and xenophobia, which have divided the human family,” said Kermode.

Kermode continues:  “We hope our films, followed by facilitated community dialogue, offer something that a pamphlet, a lecture, or a policy document cannot.  It creates a shared emotional experience—a common reference point from which people of different backgrounds can begin to talk honestly about what they have seen, what they recognize and what they are ready to recognize in themselves,” Kermode says.

Kermode concludes:  “For those who have never had to think deeply about racial bias, it is an invitation to begin.  Our first film, “1778,” will be on Saturday, July 25, at 7 pm at the First United Methodist Church on the corner of East and South streets.  We are thankful for our sponsors:  ACLU, the Shasta County Beloved Community, Democratic Women’s Club, Second Baptist Church, Cultural  Reciprocity and Community Center, First United Methodist Church, SEIU local 215, Simeon Jones, LMFT, SCCAR, Islamic Center of Redding, Redding Rancheria Tribal Council, Shasta Interfaith and last, but not least, the SHASTA UNFILTERED eNewspaper for their photographic—and written—coverage of the ARTF free concert and auction,” Kermode concludes.