The Race Identity Series, presented by TAKE ON HATE and the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative, explores the development of racialized communities—with a focus on Black, Arab and South Asian Americans—to uncover themes of racial formation, internalized racism and intercultural conflict. Utilizing a mix of short informative presentations and workshop exercises that include dialogue, storytelling and art, each interactive session (six in total) provides an introductory-level workshop that explores how to uproot racism and foster multi-racial alliances. 

The series, which is FREE and open to the public, was held for six months in 2016 (from May to October). Learn more about each session below! If you're interested in attending workshops like these, contact the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative.

Full Schedule:

Part 1: Anti-Racism 101 | May 26, 2016

Participants began to understand systematic racism and bigotry in the context of critical race theory and human rights law, and learned skills to begin countering racism and engaging in deeper, more genuine solidarity work.

• Learned about critical race theory, not just as theory but also legal and practical solutions to address racial disparities.
• Defined internalized, interpersonal and institutional racism and reflected on the ways in which the three I’s of racism interplay.
• Learned how dominant narratives allow for the perpetuation of racist policies and practices that lead to real-world consequences.
• Reflected on the effects of systemic racism in participants' lives to consider the ways in which they can challenge racism and build multi-racial coalitions to counter racial disparities.

Part 2: Narrative and Oppression | Thursday, June 16, 2016

Participants began to recognize theories of racial formation and racial identity development across communities. Through storytelling, participants shared their stories and family histories to explore racial identity and how systemic oppression has affected them. Through dialogue, participants developed strategies for addressing the common root of their shared oppression.

Part 3: Identity, Privilege and Self-Awareness | Thursday, July 21, 2016

Drawing on discussion, group activities and self-reflection, this workshop helped participants explore their social identities to consider how they intersect with race. Attendees considered the ways in which privilege or oppression have shaped who they are and developed ways to challenge values assigned to race. 

Part 4: Colorism: Internalized Oppression and Intra-Community Issues | Thursday, August 11, 2016 

With an aim of providing a healing and forward-looking space, this workshop explored the powerful ways in which colorism has affected communities of color and looked to ways in which we can heal from the psychological harm. Through dialogue and discussion, participants outlined the ways that this has shown up in interpersonal and intra-community issues. Participants then developed strategies to consider ways to uproot the negative message.

Part 5: Overcoming Implicit Bias and Micro-Aggressions | Thursday, September 22, 2016

Contrary to what we assume, much of interpersonal racism is unintentional. This workshop explored implicit bias and how it can affect our everyday choices, as well as micro-aggressions and why they matter. Through exercises and follow-up work, participants developed long term strategies to interrupt harmful and oppressive behaviors.

Part 6: Compassionate Intercultural Communication | Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Building multiracial coalitions and community organizing can be exhausting work and there will often be times when community members disagree or make mistakes such as perpetuating microaggressions or overstepping boundaries. This workshop helped us become better allies by providing tips and tools for compassionate communication. 

• Considering some of the challenges in intercultural dialogue, this workshop looked at privilege and allyship to think of ways we can create caring communities across racial and ethnic lines.
• This workshop outlined tips for compassionate communications, for example non-violent community and alternatives to violence project.
• Participants were given a list of practical tools they can use in intercultural communication.