I replied and asked what the qualifications were of the (white yoga teacher) speaker giving the workshop. Because her bio in the invite didn’t exactly state her credentials. In another bio that I found online, she states she is by no means a racism expert, just someone who has spent a few years learning about it.
I also asked if an actual racism educator had been considered to lead the workshop.
The response I received from the organization ignored both questions. They only wrote that the workshop was approved by the Board and newly formed social justice committee AND they believe the presenter’s partner is a BIPOC.
I’ve also had BIPOC
partners since
I was 16 (so 30 years in November).
I took classes at University about social justice and minority communities. For a class project, I gave a presentation on tolerance. I read through all of my mom’s “Teaching Tolerance” magazines from the Southern Poverty Law Center (as google didn’t exist back then).
I’ve worked for two social justice non-profits.
I’ve listened, learned, watched movies and read books (for nearly three decades) on the topic. The furthest back that I can remember is 1992, going to the theatre, by myself, to watch the film Malcom X.
For grad school, I attended a conference on poverty and the impact it has on the people in the community – which are frequently BIPOC.
Would I give that tolerance presentation again now to a community of over 1,000 people? Or even 10 people?
No.
Even with my experience and knowledge, there are much more qualified people to talk on the topic. People who do this every day. Not just when a situation arises (protests and race riots).
I’m not saying white people can’t get educated and teach this topic – but hopping on a bandwagon and acting too quickly has consequences.