Thinking in Systems: Why We Can’t Seem to Eradicate Racism

Why do we keep having the same issues regarding race and racism generation after generation? It has little to do with “White privilege,” or “White supremacy.” Rather, it is deeply rooted in the way we are taught to think. James Baldwin said in his 1963 Talk to Teachers, “The paradox of education is precisely this - that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” In this class we will take a philosophical look at the particular and powerful ways that racism is perpetuated and why we can’t seem to undo it once and for all. Dawn will begin the class by providing historical context. Then we will dive into your questions and comments.

Zoom link will be given upon registration. Class Fee - $50

“For a few weeks, Black lives ‘mattered.’ Now what?” That is the title of a Guardian opinion piece by Nesrine Malik. The news cycle has shifted, “tell-all’s” have been released and pancake mix has been re-branded. So, how will we shape the conversation around race now?

Our third Zoom gathering will be held on Friday July 10, 2020 from 4:00-5:30. Dawn will provide brief historical context and then open the floor to hear your thoughts. Please indicate that you’d like to join the Zoom gathering by sharing your email address and I will gladly send you a link.

Gatherings are free to all. Donations are suggested. No registration is required.

Thinking in Systems: Why We Can’t Seem to Eradicate Racism

Why do we keep having the same issues regarding race and racism generation after generation? It has little to do with “White privilege,” “White supremacy.” Rather, it is deeply rooted in the way we are taught to think. James Baldwin said in his 1963 Talk to Teachers, “The paradox of education is precisely this - that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.” In this class we will take a philosophical look at the particular and powerful ways that racism is perpetuated and why we can’t seem to undo it once and for all. Dawn will begin the class by providing historical context. Then we will dive into your questions and comments.

Zoom link will be given upon registration. Workshop Fee - $50

How to engage in healthy dialogue about race and racism.

Why is it so difficult to talk about race? It has something to do with the way were “educated.” American author James Loewen writes, “the antidote to feel-good history is not feel-bad history but honest and inclusive history.” We will use the work of James Loewen to highlight the particular and powerful ways that “education” has driven our current conversations about racial injustice in America. Dawn will begin the workshop by providing historical context. Then we will dive deep into your questions and comments, and unpack your concerns, un-rushed and uninhibited.

[Limit 10 participants] Zoom link will be given upon registration. Workshop Fee - $100

How to engage in healthy dialogue about race and racism.

Why is it so difficult to talk about race? It has something to do with the way were “educated.” We will use the work of Glennon Doyle UNtamed to talk about the particular and powerful historical events that are driving our current conversations about racial injustice in America. Dawn will begin the workshop by providing historical context. Then we will dive deep into your questions and comments, and unpack your concerns, un-rushed and uninhibited.

[Limit 10 participants] Zoom link will be given upon registration. Workshop Fee - $100