The battle is and always has been a battle for the hearts and minds of White people in this country. The fight against racism is our issue. It’s not something that we’re called on to help People of Color with. We need to become involved with it as if our lives depended on it because really, in truth, they do.
— Anne Braden

WES – SURJ
Racial Justice Learning Group

For white people interested in learning and engaging in conversations about the experience of race in our lives in a safe space, WES is forming a learning group in collaboration with SURJ-DC. SURJ is a national network of groups and individuals organizing white people for racial justice. SURJ-DC has developed a seven-month curriculum that is being used by learning groups all over the city. The SURJ–DC curriculum of articles, videos, and discussion questions looks at how racism affects both People of Color and White folks. It is designed to inspire and encourage us into meaningful conversation, without requiring extensive reading and preparation. The WES-SURJ learning group is open to everyone at every stage of racial awareness and study. Once formed, the study group will meet monthly at WES after platform. We hope you will bring your diverse perspectives, insights and points of view and join us in creating a safe space for going deep and discussing racial justice and equity over an extended period of time.

Our first meeting will be on Sunday April 2, 1:15 – 3:15 in the double classroom downstairs. Please contact Laura Bradshaw (laurabradshaw5@gmail.com) or Mary Smith (bauer.maryb@gmail.com) to get a copy of the curriculum and ask any questions.

Session 1 (April 2) Racial Caucusing – Why is it helpful for White people to learn with other White people?
Session 2 (May 7) Structural racism/white supremacy, and how this is distinct from individual bias
Session 3 (June 4) Race as a “social construct” and a “divide and rule” strategy
Session 4 (July 9) How, when, and why did our families become White?
Session 5 (Sept 10) What historical policies created the racial wealth gap?
Session 6 (Oct 1) The Cost of Racism to White People
Session 7 (Nov 5) Collective Liberation and the Work Ahead