Anti-racism Dialogues this week

Are you concerned about the pushback against efforts to undo racism? There is much to be concerned about. Efforts have been afoot to address longstanding issues in criminal justice, political representation, healthcare, economic disparity… The list goes on. In 2020 there was, in my opinion, substantial headway toward recognizing elements of systemic racism and a significant increase in calls for reform. But now it’s 2021 and after each step forward we see a snapping back toward the ways things have been. Have we snapped back so far that we’ve undone the progress we’d made?

The answer to that question lies substantially at the feet of those who are in positions of power and who can influence the direction of policies and practices toward greater equity. And while it’s tempting to point the finger at the people who have been elected to office and to those who have risen within the capitalist system to command attention, the threat of violent action from a substantial portion of the general public has greatly added to my sense of foreboding. A public unleashed from the restrictions of law, a public that does not acknowledge the humanity of those whose points of view differ from their own is a dangerous weapon against ethical progress.

We need to resist the backsliding if we are to help usher in the positive changes we seek, and we would do well to bolster our knowledge and understanding of the powers and policies that are in play that are barriers to progress.

The AEU is offering avenues for engagement, and it is important that you participate in strengthening the impact of those avenues in your life and in the lives of others. One way to engage is through the AEU’s Anti-racism Dialogues which are underway. Our facilitators have selected important sources of information for their sessions and welcome you to participate.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

This week’s Anti-Racism Dialogues:

On 10/26 Emily Newman hosted the third session of discussion of three short articles on facing reactions to racism and anti-racism:

“Ways Racial Microaggressions Sneak In” 

“White People Can Hold Each Other Accountable to Stop Institutional Racism” 

“Teaching Firstgraders about Microaggressions the Small Moments Add Up”

On 10/28 Jone Johnson Lewis will facilitate a dialogue about Critical Race Theory: An Introduction by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic. This is the first of two sessions and a third session is optional.

Also on 10/28 Paul Heymont will facilitate a dialogue about Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Saving the World by Anand Giridharadas. This is the first of two sessions.

Check here to see what else is in the offering: 2021 Anti-Racism Dialogues

Thank you,

Bart

This post originally appeared at AEU.org.