How White People Need to Talk to White People About Race (and Why)

Last night we had a live streamed conversation on YouTube about “How White People Need to Talk to White People About Race.” Over 400 people RSVP’d on the Facebook event, which is a much larger audience than we have ever reached in our monthly Open Conversations.  During the video we had over 250 views, social media engagement was really strong and it has been shared and viewed widely.  This makes me think that white people are really struggling to talk about race.  I invite you to watch the video below and share what you think in the comment section below.

This is how we billed the event.

Transform Network Open Conversation on white (identifying) people talking to other white people about race and racial justice.

Have you as a white person. . . .
+ Felt unsure, insensitive, confused and scared during conversations about race?

+ Felt like, “Hey, I’m not racist!” Why do I get lumped in with “all white people?”

+ Want to talk about race, racial justice, ask questions and even get involved in bringing about change but have no clue what that really means or how to start?

+ Feel passionate about racial justice but get frustrated talking to other white people about it?

As a person of color. . . . .
+Get frustrated being the “racial counselor” to white friends, colleagues or church?

+Want to have more productive interactions in mixed race groups when discussing racial justice?

Transform Network has always been focused on taking on big growing edge issues faced by church and creating a safe place for people to express doubts and practice generative community. We are one of the only progressive church networks actively engaging in training around anti-oppression and intersectionality.

As Christians, we believe racial justice is just one aspect of God’s vision of shalom for the world – that people of all races, ethnicities and people groups are recognized, valued and seen as equally precious parts of the Divine’s beloved creation.

Panelists include:

Dara Silverman – consultant, coach, organizer and trainer who has been building movements for economic, racial, gender and social justice for over 20 years. Dara is the National Coordinator for SURJ: Showing Up for Racial Justice, a network of 55+ groups across the US moving white people into action for racial justice. Dara was the Executive Director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) in New York City from 2003-2009. Dara is a certified Somatic Coach through the Strozzi Institute. She supports leaders to be in the movement for the long haul.

Holly Roach – a contemplavist with her activist roots in numerous social justice movements including the struggles for Leonard Peltier, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Big Mountain, AZ and the Global Justice movement. Holly has a bachelors degree in art and social change and graduating from the inaugural class of Richard Rohr’s Living School for Action and Contemplation this fall. She is an organizer for the Faith-Rooted Organziing Un-Network and mentored by Rev. Alexia Salvaterra. Holly is president of the board of Transform Network and producer of the it’s annual national gathering. Holly is a practicing writer and contemplative and “mother-of-dogs” to over 200 pounds of dogs.

Jake Dockter – one of the editors behind Theology of Ferguson, an activist in Portland, and dreamer. He was worked in the nonprofit and creative space for years, helping launch and consult brands and projects. He edited a book, American Dreamers (published by Wieden+Kennedy: Sharp Stuff), and was a columnist for Relevant Magazine’s social justice column, The Revolution. He is a dad and husband, loving every minute of family time.

Chris Crass -writes and speaks widely on anti-racist organizing, feminism for men, strategies to build visionary movements, and creating healthy culture and leadership for progressive activism. His book Towards Collective Liberation: anti-racist organizing, feminist praxis, and movement building strategy draws lessons from his organizing over the past 26 years with groups such as Catalyst Project, Heads Up Collective, and SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice). Rooted in his Unitarian Universalist faith he works with congregations, divinity schools, and religious leaders to build up the spiritual Left. He lives in Nashville, TN with his partner and their son. You can learn more about his work at www.chriscrass.org.

Hosted by Micky ScottBey Jones, Director of Training & Development of Transform Network