When we encounter conversations around race, justice, and inequity, we also meet our own suffering, karma, and the vow for liberation for all beings, ourselves included. As so many of our communities are gripped by often challenging discussions around race, we offer these Community Circles as spaces for group reflection, skill building, and mutual support around the unfolding of race, racism, and this important moment of reckoning in which we now find ourselves. These groups are meant to meet different individuals at different stages of their path in unfolding these topics.
“So you want to talk about race?”
Facilitated by Genjo Mark Yorke
Every other Monday Oct 5 - Nov 30
7:30pm - 8:30pm
(In Person at the Temple)
This circle will read Ijeoma Oluo’s popular and important text “So you want to talk about race?” In it, Oluo introduces practical and foundational vocabulary, notions, and situations that can be helpful to individuals of diverse races and identities, who are looking to acquire basic skills in how to participate in antiracist dialogue. Oluo considers methods of encountering workplace contexts, family situations, and community interactions that often feel uncomfortable or challenging when we are new to discussing race with those around us, whether they are friends, family, strangers, or people in power. Together, this Circle will take a daring step into the foundations of antiracist dialogue, helping each other reflect on personal experiences of difficulty and growth around how we talk to each other about race. Please note that Registration for this program has ended.
“How to be an antiracist”
Facilitated by Jun-e Carmelita Thompson
Every other Tuesday Oct 6 - Dec 1
7:30pm - 8:30pm
(Online)
This circle will meet to read and discuss the 2019 book “How to be an antiracist” by Ibram X. Kandi. The text, which considers the impact and dismantling of systemic racism through observations of historic and contemporary events, proposes methods and models for individuals to engage antiracist actions and institutional change. This circle will read the text together, using it as a way to reflect on the troubled past, turbulent present, and unfolding future. This Circle is open to all individuals who have a sincere desire to unpack the role racism has played in their lives and the life of their communities, regardless of racial identity. Please note that Registration for this program has ended.
“My grandmother’s hands”
Facilitated by Issei Robin Weil
Every other Wednesday Oct 7 - Dec 2
7:30pm - 8:30pm
(In person at the temple)
This circle will meet to read and discuss the book “My grandmother’s hands” by Resmaa Menakem. As a therapist, “Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of body-centered psychology. He argues that this destruction will continue until Americans learn to heal the generational anguish of white supremacy, which is deeply embedded in all our bodies.” This collective trauma touches all lives in American society: not only the lives of African Americans, but White Americans as well. The participants of this Circle will consider their own narratives, physicality, and embodiment as a way to confront deeply held racial trauma in our very bones. This Circle is open to all individuals who have a sincere desire to unpack the role racism has played in their lives and the life of their communities, regardless of racial identity. Please note that Registration for this program has ended.