FAQ
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.
• 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.