A Workshop Examining the History and Present-Day Reality of Whiteness in American Life
Saturday, March 3, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Location:
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
1950 Nagel Rd.,
Cincinnati, OH 45255

Register at: https://understandingwhiteness.eventbrite.com

Too often our contemporary conversations about race and racism are polarized into angry posturing, denial, and hand-wringing. But none of these are conversations that will lead to better understanding, social change or national healing. As James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

In this 6-hour workshop, participants will be invited to face some truths of racism in our country, and find ways to move forward. Together we will:

• look more deeply at the history of racial categories in the colonial era and during nearly 250 years of US history;
• explore the ways some people are socialized to see themselves as white; examine the unearned benefits that come with white skin in this racialized society and why it is so hard to talk about it;
• discuss how structural racism creates a second-class status of people of color who are often left out and left behind;
• outline some things white people can do to dismantle the racism that harms us all.

This workshop is sponsored by GAPP and Anderson Churches for Racial Unity (ACRU). Presenters Louise Lawarre, Betti Glynn, and Martha Viehmann are long-time residents of Anderson Township and have been active in racial justice education and action in the community and beyond.

Prior registration is required for this workshop, which is free and open to the public. A free-will donation will be greatly appreciated at the door.

Participants are asked to bring their lunch. Refrigeration is available. Coffee, drinks and light snacks will be provided.

Optional pre-workshop listening: The podcast Seeing White is a 14-part documentary series in which journalist John Biewen explores whiteness in America—where it came from, what it means, and how it works. This is not required for the workshop, but listening to the first episode may be a helpful introduction. http://podcast.cdsporch.org/seeing-white/