During our 10th Annual Peaceful Gathering of Hands Virtual Event, we had a wide variety of discussions and workshops. After a big opening circle where everyone shared a life update, we had a deep conversation about Racial Injustices. Tenanche shared stories from her journey as a Black Woman, who also carries a Powhattan and European lineage.
During our discussion, we discussed the importance of
1. Amplifying BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) voices, projects, businesses, campaigns, etc.
2. How "His-story" class in school often glosses over, ignores, or brainwashes students into not fully understand the true nature of Slavery, Genocide of First Nation's Peoples, and other important racial issues.
3. Tenanche recommended these action steps :
A. Talking with family and friends about these issues
B. Educating yourself through books, films, articles
C. Raising our kids differently and to understand anti-racism practices (research Ibram Xendi)
D. Learn about different racial experiences
4. Gregory Olverson (Hug Master G) also made a great point, that we can make surface changes like taking down racist statues, and even changing laws, but if people's hearts don't change and learn to love and respect others, then we haven't gotten to the root of the issues.
5. Other notes I wrote from our discussion include :
- Being mindful not to "Spiritual Bypass" in relation to Racial Injustice : "the tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks". The term was introduced in the early 1980s by John Welwood"
- Taking action locally,
- Look into our own ancestry and lineage
- The Intersectionality of diet and environmental issues with Racial Inequality
As for Recommended Books, Films, and Actions to further educate ourselves on Racial Issues :
1. I have found this free online guide very helpful. You can read while listening to his audio recording of the entire text :
Introduction to Race in the United States for White People (by a white person) : ONLINE LINK
2. I highly recommend the film 13th, which you can watch on Netflix or Online for Free HERE
Lastly, here is a phenomenal Online Discussion about Racial Issues which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. - Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Zach Banner joins Black and Jewish activists from Pittsburgh, including Jews of color, who share his vision of solidarity and his commitment to the struggle against racism, antisemitism, and white supremacy. Other panelists include hip-hop artist Jasiri X, founder of the artist/activist collective 1Hood; Julie Mallis, Director of Repair the World: Pittsburgh; MLB sportswriter Jonathan Mayo, a core leader of Bend the Arc Jewish Action: Pittsburgh; and Graie Hagans, National Organizer and Training Manager of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. The conversation was moderated by educational equity expert Michelle King.
