The Racial Equity Team focuses on racial justice, racial equity, and Mount Olivet's role in systemic racism.
The Racial Equity Team devises plans and strategies to share with the Mount Olivet community and with our neighbors in Arlington and beyond.
Since the formation of this group, we have:
If asked, many of us would identify Chinese workers on the transcontinental railroad as the first group of Asian immigrants to arrive in the United States. In fact, Spanish records document the landing of Filipino workers from a Spanish ship in Morro Bay, California, in 1587, although they left within days. The first permanent residents from the Philippines had arrived in Louisiana by the early 1800s, where they fought against the British in the War of 1812 and developed the shrimp industry.

Filipino-American Origins through the Manila Galleon Trade
Who were the "Filipinos" of Morro Bay? (First Filipinos in the United States) #AskKirby
Saint-Malo: The first refuge settlement for Filipinos built in Louisiana
(1) Project Community: Filipino impact on Louisiana's seafood industry - YouTube
Who were the Manila Men? Filipinos deep in the Bayou!
The Challenges of Reclaiming Filipino Louisiana's Centuries-Old History - Atlas Obscura
If Filipinos were here first, shouldn’t this be the United States of the Philippines? | AALDEF
The First Asian American Settlement Was Established by Filipino Fishermen | HISTORY
Consider walking in the footsteps of our neighbors by visiting a series of sites, memorials, and living testaments to the courage, resilience, and faith of our African American neighbors. There are two tours that seek to capture glimpses into the story of North and South Arlington. We pray they may serve as the first step in the long walk towards racial equity and justice in Arlington.
Read a short report by Jim Dake on the history of Mount Olivet and racism within Arlington and the United Methodist Church.
Read the reportStart here to learn more about the Racial Equity Team at Mount Olivet, or browse current events to see what's coming next.