FEBRUARY 2020

HIGHLIGHTS OF FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING

On Monday, February 24 the Challenging Racism Board welcomed Christine Purka and Heather O’Malley of the Marketing Sub-Committee of External Affairs for a discussion of the pipeline of work they are developing. The pipeline includes potential contracts for  Learning How , Partnerships and for  Getting Started  sessions. The group also writes grants and supports our fundraisers. The Committee is 6 strong, with solid capabilities in marketing. The Committee is looking for a volunteer to do PR and Communications to create media coverage of Challenging Racism in local news, other publications, on the web and social media.  The Internal Affairs Committee Chair Kathleen McSweeney discussed the progress in the Board search for an Executive Director to replace Marty Swaim when she retires as ED this spring. The search is well under way, and a good number of well qualified applicants have applied.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Challenging Racism is looking for an Executive Director. This is a full-time position for a dynamic, experienced self-starter who shares our commitment to empower people to disrupt racism through facilitated conversations built upon facts, stories, reflection, relationships, and the basic skills of listening and holding difficult conversations to bring about change. The ideal candidate will have experience working with a non-profit organization, a strong background in finance or bookkeeping, and experience with strategic planning, fundraising, and governance. We seek someone who has knowledge and experience working in diverse organizations where discussions of racism and/or civil rights were an important part of their work. The Executive Director will work from their home office, and some evening and weekend work will be required. Find  here   the full position description.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to  hr@challengingracism.org For additional information on the work of Challenging Racism, visit our  website .

GREAT NEWS FOR THE 2020 5K RUN

Mark your calendar for the  2nd Annual Running Against Racism 5k May 16th, 2020 Bluemont Park 9:00 am start time (rain or shine) This family-friendly run/walk will feature the option to participate in a professionally-timed 5K and/or learn more about and mingle with friends of Challenging Racism.  More information to follow here .

Rachel Avenick,  Learning How  Spring 2019 (Claremont) alumna, has volunteered to chair the 5K run/walk this year. She says "I got a lot out of the Challenging Racism:   Learning How  class taught by Tim Cotman, Leah Maderal, and Ariadne Goerke and wanted to give back to the organization so that more people can benefit from Challenging Racism's class offerings. It's been great working with last year's race chairs, Paula Burdette and Christine Purka, as well as other volunteers and staff."  The race committee welcomes your help - from donating a case of water for race-day to checking on whether a company you're familiar with may have a philanthropic office which we could apply to for sponsorship.  Every bit helps Challenging Racism grow its mission! Please be in touch at  5k@challengingracism.org  with questions or sponsorship ideas - thank you!

UPDATE FROM CR PROGRAMS

Challenging Racism: Getting Started , is a two and one half hour long beginning conversation on race that we have been providing for organizations since 2018. The demand has increased in 2019 -2020 to the point where we facilitate an average of one session a month in Arlington and in the metro area. The subject most in demand is Racism in Housing: Redlining. We use local maps of the locality where the session takes place to show how redlining has worked to segregate that community, by supporting existing racial segregation and by creating newly segregated housing. Redlining is a powerful example of institutional and structural racism and the power of whiteness that persists as long as we do not push back. For other Getting Started subjects, please see our website. Sessions of Getting Started This month on February 3 we offered Getting Started - Redlining for 38 members of the Arlington County Council of PTA’s. Evaluations included comments such as "Thank you! Amazing workshop that has given me so much to think about", "We need more opportunities to bring this program to our schools", "There is so much to do and learn that now I want to participate in the Learning How Conversations" and "This is so interesting, I tweeted about it!" We will provide this same session for the Arlington Democrats and Young Democrats this coming Saturday, February 29. In the spring we will be presenting in DC at the Friends Meeting of Washington, and in Montgomery County at the Coalition for Smarter Growth. Three more possible sites are in the pipeline. These sessions provide good opportunities to work for our excellent Challenging Racism facilitators. The facilitators working so far this year on Getting Started, Learning How for parents and for educators, and customized work with Ford's Theatre and Encore Stage & Studio include Shari Benites, Adia Brightman (Nebraska), Andrea Brown, Michele Chang (Nebraska), Monique Brown, Felicity Boyer, Tim Cotman, Judith Davis, Samantha Fletcher, Ami Foster, LaTonya Francis, Cynthia Gertsen, Stephanie Hammel, Dawn Kyser, Leah Maderal, Rachel Palmer (Nebraska), Jeanette DuBois Preniczky, Frank Rusco, Moira Secrest, Melissa Stone and Palma J. Strand (Nebraska).

Just ending: Nebraska Challenging Racism: Learning How

Congratulations to the 25 participants of Challenging Racism: Learning How for Educators, Nebraska, who completed the final session eleven this past Saturday, February 22 at the Lincoln headquarters of the Nebraska State Education Association. The twenty three participants present told their personal story about race, including their plans for next steps in their own anti-racist work with students, colleagues and their communities.

Joining participants for storytelling were 2018-19 alumni Cindy Copich, Gretchen Graham-Baijnauth, Stephanie Howell, Ed Ventura, Teresa Matthews, Stacie Stevens and Tarina Cox-Jones. Guests included Maddie Fennell (Executive Director, NSEA), Jenni Benson (President, NSEA) and Rocio Inclan (Center for Social Justice, National Education Association). The co-facilitators for these sessions in 2019 - 2020 have been Michele Chang and Rachael Palmer at Omaha and Palma Strand and Adia Brightman at Lincoln. Rachael, Adia, Teresa and Tarina graduated from the Challenging Racism: Learning to Lead summer facilitation training in 2019. This final session for these two groups concludes the second year of a Challenging Racism/NSEA Partnership Program, supported in part by NEA. With the completion of this year, NSEA is able to be licensed to teach the Challenging Racism: Learning How curriculum using the facilitators trained by Challenging Racism. We look forward to the continued use of the curriculum to support educators in increasing student success.

Supporting Anti - Racism in Other Places The Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, through Ann Delorey an alumna of CR Learning How 2016 at HB - Woodlawn, invited Challenging Racism to help develop, co-sponsor and facilitate a session on February 16 called Faith Matters: Living in a Racialized Society . Dawn Kyser volunteered to moderate, Monique Brown spoke on the panel, and they both facilitated small groups as did Nancy Brown and Marty Swaim. More than 50 people attended at the McLean Islamic Center.

On Thursday February 20, about 60 parents joined David Priddy, the Thomas Jefferson MS PTA President  , Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, recruited by Challenging Racism, Alan Ronkin from the American Jewish Committee, Marty Swaim and a panel, for a full evening of information and practical advice.  Two weeks earlier, David asked us for help in putting together a program for APS parents on hate speech. This effort was in response to incidents in which the swastika was written on walls and a book at the school, as were the N word and other racial slurs at Wakefield HS. Dr. Alfiee spoke about “The Damage Hate Speech Does to Students”, calling for the C’s of pushing back: Clarity: Educate yourself about all kinds of hate speech and all of the ways that it damages the identity development of young people of color, and that of children who are Jewish or Muslim. Courage: Speak out and have conversations with your children. Silence means assent. Set the rules for your house. No ‘N’ word means no ‘N’ word, including rap. Commitment: Be committed to keep up this push back. Pushing back against hate speech means not once, but every day forever. Read more about Dr. Alfiee's work here . Mr. Ronkin provided a short history of the recent increase in hate crimes against Jews. According to FBI data, 2% of the reported hate crimes in the USA today are against individuals because of their religion, and 70% of those crimes against individuals because of religion are against Jews. Persons of the Jewish faith in the audience recounted recent incidents of name calling and other insults against Jews in APS. Read more about this here . For Challenging Racism, Marty Swaim led a short practice in talking with your children about hate speech. After reviewing the basic guidelines for difficult conversations, namely to Listen and Ask Questions of Genuine Interest such as “Tell me more”, participants each turned to a partner and practiced how they might talk with a child of theirs who laughed at a racist joke or brought home a story about a classmate’s racist remarks.  For more information, you can find the materials from this activity on our website . 

UPCOMING EVENTS Keep up with upcoming events on the website at https://www.challengingracism.org/events

"The Fires" - Book Club The next Challenging Racism: Continued - Book Club will compare and contrast two books: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin and The Fire This Time, a collection of essays by various authors edited by Jesmyn Ward. You can find the books at the library or in most bookstores.

Thursday, February 27, 2020 6:30 - 7:00 pm Gathering and Sign In 7:00 - 8:50 pm Discussion    Langston-Brown Community Center   2121 N. Culpeper St. Arlington, VA 22207   Please note, we have to finish at 8:50 pm so we can leave by 9:00 pm.   Discussion Leaders: Gail Perry Nancy Brown REGISTER HERE

HIGHLIGHTED LOCAL EVENTS

Racial Justice Workshops at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlingon

Dismantling white supremacy begins inside each of us. Deepen your understanding of racism and the skills needed to be allies by participating in one or more of these workshops at the UUCA.

Microaggressions (led by Ann Ulmschneider) Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Examine common microaggressions as people of color experience them. These seemingly small acts add up over time to send the message that people of color do not belong. Implicit Bias (led by Warren Wright) Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Implicit biases about marginalized groups are formed as we grow up in our culture. We are exposed to negative stereotypes that affect our attitudes. To prepare for this session, take the free online test from Harvard Project Implicit. Then come to discuss how implicit biases affect many areas, including education, employment, and law enforcement. Here is the link to the Implicit bias assessment. Speaking Out (led by Diane Dorius) Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Are you at a loss for words when you hear biased comments from friends or relatives? Practice skills to respond to stereotypes and misinformation.

All Workshops take place from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at: UUCA 4444 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 22204 Room 13-15 703.892.2565 To register for individual sessions or the series, contact Ann Ulmschneider at aulmsch@msn.com. Registration is helpful, but not required. Invite a friend to join you or spread the word through social media

The Story of a Civil Rights Trailblazer and the 1939 Alexandria Library Sit-In The earliest known sit-in for civil rights occurred at the Alexandria (Virginia) Public Library on August 21, 1939. In  Samuel Wilbert Tucker , Nancy Silcox charts the story of a young African American lawyer who grew up in Alexandria in a family that believed reading and education led to opportunities. When Tucker was refused a library card at his local public library, he organized a sit-in to protest the “whites-only” policy and defended the protesters. Join author  Nancy Silcox  for a talk about the story of the sit-in, and Tucker’s work to challenge segregation here in Northern Virginia. At the program there will also be an exhibit about the Arlington Public Library's Holmes Branch, which while in service was designated for African Americans until the Arlington Library system was desegregated.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:00pm - 8:30pm Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium Central Library

RSVP for an event reminder here, attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is for adults and teens in grade 6+.  BOOK ORDERS, SCHOOL VISITS, AUTHOR TALKS, TEACHER RESOURCES. Email for details.   Email:  noysilbooks@gmail.com   WEBSITE :  nancynoyessilcox.com   Twitter:    @NancySilcox

February-March PAUSE: Aprons, History, and Stories!

Sushmita Mazumdar, an alum of Challengig Racism Learning How 2013 at Oakton HS, is a Greater Washington DC area book artist, writer, and educator. She encourages children and adults to share their art and stories from their lives so people can get to know them better and understand the world they live in.  Her  Handmade Storybooks  have been sold at museums and art galleries in the region and she teaches book arts and story writing in local schools, museums, and art centers. Her art has also been shown at a number of shops and galleries. Learn more about Sushmita here and visit the new Exhibition at her Studio Pause .

Public/Private:  Aprons Carry Our Stories by Susan Sterner Reception: Thu Fri 27, 7:00-8:30 pm, Studio Pause Join us to enjoy the stunning work and meet the artist. Light refreshments will be served.  More information about this exhibition here . Supermujer, by Susan Sterner

Arlington Democrats and Arlington Young Democrats present:

Saturday, February 29, 2020 11am-1:30pm Arlington Mill Community Center Room 404 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA 22204 Registration is required to attend this event, please sign up here . If registration is full, please add your name and email to the wait list, and you will be contacted at the email address you provide if space is available.  If you have any question please contact programs@arlingtonyoungdems.org

Governor Northam Announces Community Forums to Inform Statewide Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Governor Ralph Northam announced that his administration will host five community forums in March where Virginians can provide input on Virginia’s first-ever “Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.” Dr. Janice Underwood, Chief Diversity Officer, will lead the forums and present a draft template of the plan intended to advance visible diversity, equity, and inclusion for state government agencies. The forums will also offer ways that other sectors can participate, including non-profit organizations, local municipalities, businesses, and K-12 school districts.

Northern VA Community Forum Tuesday, March 25, 2020 6:00 to 8:30 pm James Lee Community Center 2855 Annandale Road Falls Church, VA 22042 Those interested in attending one of the upcoming community forums may register here. Find more information about this and the other forums in VA here.

OAR's 2019 Undoing Racism workshops have brought together a diverse group of individuals, from all sectors, throughout the DC Metro area committed to dismantling racism. OAR is looking forward to continuing this work in the new year. Undoing Racism 2020 and workshops will take place on  March 23-24, and May 2-3 .    Registration for the workshops and more information can be found  here .

A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) Last Sunday of each month 5:00 - 7:00 pm Shirlington Busboys and Poets 4251 S. Campbell Ave. Arlington, Virginia, 22206 The A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) open discussion series is hosted by Busboys and Poets as a community service. It provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues of race. The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, refreshed, reassured and hopefully inspired and moved to action! Each month there is a new topic for discussion. Free and open to the public.

Arlington Public Library Book Clubs Read more about library book clubs The Other Americans Thursday April 2, 2020 7:30 - 9:00 pm Central Library Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium 1015 N. Quincy St. Arlington, VA, 22201

Other Local Reading Groups Busboys and Poets Book Club in Shirlington 4251 S. Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206 Meets at the Busboys and Poets in Shirlington on the 1st Saturday of every month from 9:00 - 11:00 am.

RESOURCES

Study Seeks to Document the History of National Park Segregation and its Lasting Effects  By Jahd Khalil, WVTF  Evidence of the legacy of segregation in Virginia’s national park sites is hidden in plain sight. Now, a study of how parks were segregated is looking at how the park service can highlight that history to campers and hikers. It will also try to determine if history has something to do with how different groups are represented in park visitorship. Read the full article here .

Not Every Black Experience Needs Your White Opinion Written by Lecia Michelle: " I'm a black woman, a writer, poet and activist. I hope to one day put my stories into a book". Read the full article here .

Facing Race in Arlington Emily Vincent's Facing Race is an invitation blog on race that is excellent. If you want to be invited to be on this blog, please let us know.

Resources Tamir Rice Safety Handbook - from the ACLU of Ohio Area Advocacy Cost of Voting in the American States - Virginia ranked 49th among states on how difficult it is to vote. (2nd to Mississippi). A “Cost of Voting Index” scale used “the largest assemblage of state election laws” to rank each state according to the time and effort it took to vote in each presidential election year from 1996 through 2016. Arlington Behavioral Health Docket - A revised application is scheduled to be submitted to the Office of the Executive Secretary in November. The new draft reflects feedback from community members and key stakeholders collected at the public hearings and submitted electronically. A Northern Va. high school is accused of admissions bias. Advocates say the problem begins much earlier. Washington Post What Howard County's Population, Demographic Data Tell You About The School Redistricting Battle WAMU Why Virginia’s progress on racism has been slow Washington Post Maryland school district officials adopt calendar that gives off Muslim holiday TheHill Articles  What everyone should know about Reconstruction 150 years after the 15th Amendment's ratification The Conversation Rachel Cargle Insists Rest Is the Real Revolution for Black Women Harpers Bazaar What We're Getting Wrong About Gifted Education Week To understand the Nationals’ World Series win, we need to understand D.C.’s baseball history Washington Post This is What a White Nationalist Administration Looks Like Rolling Stone The People We Fear Are Just Like Us New York Times Why Public Transit Is an Equity Battleground City Lab Destinations  Immigrant Food - a new "cause-casual" restaurant at 1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 Determined: The 400 year struggle for black equality Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond. The story is told through the lives of 30 people, some famous, some not. It will go on through March 29, 2020. The Outwin 2019: American Portraiture Today - Every three years, artists living and working in the United States are invited by the museum to submit one of their recent portraits to a panel of experts. The selected artworks reflect the compelling and diverse approaches contemporary artists are using to tell the American story through portraiture. National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 Rosa Parks: In her own words Library of Congress Audio Chef Samin Nosrat's Favorite Book And Album Of The Decade NPR Pushed out Reveal podcast Foster Mother Writes About Migrant Child's 3,000-Mile Journey NPR Housing Arlington Community Conversation Series - Equity YouTube Books Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad. Based off the best selling workbook, Me and White Supremacy teaches readers how to dismantle the privilege within themselves so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too. The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton. Following her National Book Award– nominated debut novel, A Kind of Freedom, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton returns with this equally elegant and historically inspired story of survivors and healers, of black women and their black sons, set in the American South. Self-Portrait in Black and White by Thomas Chatterton Williams. A meditation on race and identity from one of our most provocative cultural critics. A reckoning with the way we choose to see and define ourselves, Self-Portrait in Black and White is the searching story of one American family’s multigenerational transformation from what is called black to what is assumed to be white.  Video & Theater  Harriet Movie - An engrossing, well told and photographed tale of the full sweep of Harriet Tubman’s remarkable life and accomplishments, from her work with abolitionists in Philadelphia right after she fled slavery and her first journey to bring out her family members, to her service in the civil war leading a naval expedition. Her experiences in the south before she fled and during her daring rescues clearly portray the extent to which enslaving Black persons was respectable and normalized in all parts of the Maryland community from which she fled. Just Mercy Movie - A film account of Bryan Stevenson’s work in freeing people of color who are unjustly imprisoned today, at this very moment. The account is drawn from his groundbreaking writing in the book Just Mercy. Mr. Stevenson is the founder of The Equity Initiative, the builder of the museum on lynching in Montgomery Alabama. He is a hero of our time. This film is a “must see.” Waves Movie - Set against the vibrant landscape of South Florida, and featuring an astonishing ensemble of award-winning actors and breakouts alike, Waves traces the epic emotional journey of a suburban African-American family—led by a well-intentioned but domineering father—as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the aftermath of a loss. "How to deconstruct racism, one headline at a time" TedTalk by Baratunde Thurston

! Share local events, field trips, webinars, books and podcasts with Challenging Racism Operations Coordinator Pilar Afshar at info@challengingracism.org Also, follow us on Facebook to see even more events and shared resources.

Challenging Racism: Continued | www.ChallengingRacism.org

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