FAQ

What if I'm afraid to talk about race and other differences?

So is almost everybody else! That means we need to learn how to speak intentionally from the heart and armed with facts. We need awareness of our own biases and the ability to see another point of view.

We don’t blame, shame, or guilt students into learning. It wastes time and energy that we need to undo the work. I provide audio meditations to help you work on those feelings outside of class.

We didn’t create America’s systemic racism or sexism, but we’re the only ones who can do something about it.

What if I unintentionally say something racist or sexist?

Then you’ll be called in, not called out. That means that as the facilitator, I will focus on the comment, not the commenter. I will clarify with you what was said and what was intended. I’ll explain why the comment was offensive and invite discussion from the group so everyone can learn from it. We can talk about hard topics without making people feel bad. I expect you to listen, understand, and own the impact of your words without excuses.

I'm not white. Why should I take a course on racism?

Learning to talk about systemic oppression is not just a white thing! Having personal experience with racism doesn’t mean we know how to have effective discussions about racism, especially with non-Black people. Join us and add to the discussion! Contact me about discounts for Black students.

Your courses seem expensive. I want to learn, but this is pricey.

If you’re here, you’re serious about undoing the damage caused by systemic racism. To do that, we have to acknowledge some facts:

• The United States was built with the free labor of generations of enslaved Black people. So please don’t ask me to do this work for a price that doesn’t honor my history, education, and experience.

• Receiving sensitive information in a format that empowers, rather than belittles, is important and rare.

• Learning from a Black person with first-hand experience and the ability to connect the past to the present is crucial to understanding systemic racism. You cannot get this education from a white person who studies racism.

• Asking a Black person to do work that is emotionally draining in a way that empowers you instead of accusing you is emotional labor. Asking your Black friends to do this for free is wrong, so turning to someone who chooses to do this for work is definitely the right move.

The time I take to prepare and recover from creating an open, loving, respectful space for race discussions is worth gold. These open discussions and activities are how change occurs. Hiding or minimizing the cost to me as the facilitator doesn’t help you to understand the toll systemic racism takes. Because regardless of how well-meaning you are, you will say or do something racist. And that’s okay because you’re learning (which is a lifelong endeavor) and I’m willing to help you without guilting you.