The Importance of Racial Equity Study Groups

When it comes to white people learning about systemic racism, being in a group can make all the difference—how white dominant culture lives in and through us is wily, not easily seen in a mirror. We need each other to be exposed to differing perspectives, to have things pointed out we don't see in ourselves, to understand our own reactivity in the reactions of others.

In May, several members of a racial equity study group came to the workshop I co-created, You Know You're White, Now What? Their comfort being uncomfortable together while feeling (and expressing) guilt, frustration, anger, grief and fear influenced the whole workshop, leading to deeper than usual contemplations of "doing something" as a white antiracist.

I also experienced this when a local Antiracist Cohort invited me to facilitate one of their sessions. This group of 12 white women from a yoga studio community have been meeting monthly for two years. They discuss books (slowly, just a few chapters at a time) and support each other as they learn about systemic racism and their role in it. The foundation of trust these women built allowed them to be honest, vulnerable and steadfast throughout our conversation.

Intent on doing something about systemic racism beyond self-study, this cohort committed to several actions—one of which is sharing the success of their group with others, for inspiration and modeling. Toward this end, they invited my colleague and I to offer You Know You're White, Now What? to their greater community (and the general public). The workshop drew a large crowd and sparked an interest in hosting racial equity topical offerings at least twice a year at the studio. Workshops like this, requested from within a community, are the ones james and I feel are most successful. Contact me if you’re part of such a community.

For those of you without a cohort (or wanting another), you’re welcome to join my monthly conversation circle We Are Well-Meaning White Folks. We meet every month on the 15th, 5-7pm PT.

May 2022 Back to Blog Home

I’m available to guest facilitate equity cohorts or help you construct a cohort of your own. Contact me.