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Racial Equity Team

The Racial Equity Team focuses on racial justice, racial equity, and Mount Olivet's role in systemic racism.

About

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:

Weekly Resources

Week of:

September 13, 2026

Freedman’s Bank and Its Collapse

As the Civil War drew to a close, a White clergyman and group of abolitionists considered the banking needs of newly emancipated people and the Black soldiers who had fought for the Union. They obtained a Congressional charter for the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company and opened dozens of branches. Within a decade the bank was forced to close, with half the customers losing all of their savings and the other half recouping at most 62%. What went wrong and what were the lasting repercussions?

Image via home.treasury.gov
Image via home.treasury.gov
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Black History of Arlington

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.

download north arlington tour bookletdownload south arlington tour booklet

Mount Olivet & Racism

Read a short report by Jim Dake on the history of Mount Olivet and racism within Arlington and the United Methodist Church.

Read the report

Get Involved

Start here to learn more about the Racial Equity Team at Mount Olivet, or browse current events to see what's coming next.