Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are fighting everyday to live free from all forms of violence. Following the murder of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020, like so many others, we were disgusted, grief-struck and outraged; it's problematic that it takes the loss of another black life to get white folks to care, to wake up and consider their role in perpetuating a system that was designed to keep BIPOC disenfranchised. Many white folx immediately took to social media to express outrage; but, this will never be enough… we must do more.

That is how the concept for Belonging In Practice formed. We believe that belonging is our inherent birthright, and yet can never arise from a passive stance within an interdependent world where we are interwoven and beholden to each other and all aspects of life. Thus, foundational to belonging is the integration and daily enactment of relationality, reverence, reciprocity and responsibility.

As white women we understand the importance of coming together with other white folks to do our own shadow work in a safe space where we can be seen and heard by one another. This will not be easy work. We’re going to get uncomfortable. It will be painful. We’re going to be inconvenienced. Committing to antiracism means doing hard work and making real changes in how we live our lives. It means showing up and being accountable to BIPOC. Be ready for this.

This space is designed for white folks who are ready to make racial justice a serious part of their lives and who are preparing to plug into a legitimate white caucus space in their local community. This is not a space for performative allyship and wokeness….  we recognize that this is a part of our unlearning.

If you are new to the movement and want to challenge white supremacy but don’t know where to start, join us for this important co-learning journey as we explore our own internalized white supremacy. We know it is not enough... but it is a small step toward greater accountability. This will be the beginning of a journey that will last our lifetimes and beyond.

Let us be clear that we are not experts in the field of antiracism nor do we consider ourselves anti-racist educators. In fact we are at the beginning of this journey with you. We are offering this space simply to start a conversation, share the experience of moving through selected readings/resources and strategize actionable next steps to deepen our understanding and commitment to ending white supremacy.

DETAILS

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Introduction to what it means to be an antiracist
• Individual deep dive into selected readings/resources and weekly group debrief & discussion
• A commitment of up to one hour a day to antiracist education
• Willingness to have uncomfortable conversations held in a safe space
• Supporting integration and strategizing a way forward

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• Readings/resources TBD
• Journal for writing

WHEN:

Thursday evenings | 7-9pm

January 14th - March 4th

WHERE: Zoom

CONTRIBUTION

Suggested donation: $50-$100

• Proceeds will go to Spirithouse Inc., a multigenerational Black women- led cultural organizing tribe located in Durham, NC (https://www.spirithouse-nc.org/)
• A small percentage will cover operational costs.