Seth Dietrich

Interviewee/ Narrator

Fr. Seth Dietrich

Seth Dietrich

Interviewer

Ella Dietrich

Date

November 27, 2023

Location of the Interview

Shorewood, WI (Milwaukee)

Length

1 hour, 7 minutes, 18 seconds

Abstract

Seth Dietrich, born in Austin, Texas in 1974, emphasizes the role of his early community, deeply rooted in the church, and highlights his mother, Wendy Dietrich, who, despite being raised Jewish, fostered a Christian household. As an Episcopal Priest today, Seth acknowledges the intertwining nature of his faith journey with his mother's influence.
Reflecting on his diverse experiences—from growing up in Texas to shortly residing in the cosmopolitan environment of Washington, D.C., and currently residing in a suburb with a history of segregation—Seth discusses his engagement with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. He remains attuned to current events through reputable sources such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, as opposed to extensive use of social media.
Seth actively participated in the BLM movement during its peak amid the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging in protests, marches, and community outreach within his church and the local vicinity. While initially aligned with the movement's objectives, he notes a waning momentum and his evolving perspective. Seth has transitioned from direct affiliation with the BLM movement to focusing on personal and community initiatives aimed at uplifting Black lives.
Sharing observations of the substantial response to the BLM movement in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, characterized by marches and community engagement, Seth expresses a desire for future discussions on race relations in educational settings. He envisions a more inclusive BLM movement that transcends political boundaries, fostering dialogue among individuals from diverse backgrounds to address the complex issues raised by the movement.