RACE MATTERS
Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, race has always mattered if you were not white in America. Join me on this journey to learn from Black people, how that has and does feel, what it looks like, where racism has brought us from and how you, as a white person, can begin to effect change in the system.
My Black life matters to me and is just as important as your white one!
Hear our stories. Learn how you can be the change!
Black and White ??
What is racism? Why does race matter? How does it affect our everyday life? Does it affect Black lives differently from white lives? Why?
Most importantly, what can I, a white person, do about it? I never owned slaves and I am nice to everybody. It this really my problem?
"What do I do? How do I do it? One person says, "Carmen is concise, precise, truthful and eloquent all at the same time...she opens the conversation. When some are not free, none are truly free."
BE BOLD
Know that you may have to begin this journey alone. And realize that for many of your human black and brown family members, they have been feeling like this for a long time. Learn all that you can. Investigate what you are told. Be sure in your knowledge because everyone will not want to know the truth.
FEEL IT
Let the emotion of it come. Feel what you must. Experience all that there is, but keep up with your feelings and the memories that come up. Write poetry, music, journal, sing. Be angry or sad.
BE THE LIGHT
Begin to share what you have learned with confidence, knowing that some people will not believe what you say. (That is why you must investigate.) Understand that this is not an easy journey and everyone will not be willing to share it with you.
BE THE WATER
The dripping water, running over the rocks, is what wears down the stone. Have you ever looked at the Grand Canyon? Continue to share the truth with others. The stigma and systems of race must be eroded by the white people who have the power. BE THE WATER!
One participant said that he enjoyed being with those "who are actively seeking healthy ways through the maze of race relations! While this feels like a dark season in America, you have demonstrated that the Light of Life is alive and well."
