Part of the In Solidarity Workshop: African American History & Culture, More Than February. Black History is celebrated each February, but in most communities, the same Black s/heroes are recalled and applauded. To gain a better understanding of African American history and the cultural distinctives that emanate from that history, a multimedia presentation will be shared – highlighting, music, visual art, film, dance, and literature. A brief look at African American spirituality.

Part of the In Solidarity Workshop: Lessons on Working in Solidarity, Please, Don’t Touch My Hair. This unit combines tools to improve interpersonal communication along with strategies to address individual and systemic racism. Attention will be given to skill-building around authentic communication, progressive cooperation, and mutual trust. Includes an honest and direct list of “Do’s & Don’ts” on how to avoid awkward moments during interpersonal communication.

Part of the In Solidarity Workshop: Systemic Racism, But I’m Not Racist. You may not be racist but if you are not working to dismantle systemic racism you are contributing to the injustice. Martin Luther King said it best, “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.” Learn how various forms of systemic racism continue to be obstacles for African Americans. The facilitator shares her parents’ stories of growing up in the Jim Crow south and then migrating to the north only to confront racism in Chicago.

Part of the In Solidarity Workshop: Perspectives on Race & Racism, Driving While Black - Living While Black. Learn some of the ways African Americans experience and cope with racism on a daily-basis - from unintentional personal insults to the life altering consequences of systemic racism. Participants will be challenged to shift their perspectives on race by gaining a deeper understanding of implicit bias, white privilege, and white fragility.

Leaders are invited to an anti-racism training workshop each Saturday in May, 2021. The 1.5 hour workshops are led by Reverend Joan Crawford, whose ministry includes promoting interracial healing and dialogue. Spiritual leaders will be equipped to engage in conversations within their communities.

Hosted by Phoenix Fusion, the cost is $40/person, with attendance capped at 60 participants. Download the flyer and visit gcsynod.org/solidarity for more info.