Anti-Racism for White Folks

Posted by on September 17, 2004

[posted from the Community Arts Network University listserv]

Goucher College Theater Department and Fusion Partnerships, Inc. present

The Mandala Center for Awareness, Transformation, & Action

“Anti-Racism for White Folks”
(featuring Theater of the Oppressed and other interactive approaches)

A highly experiential 3-day event exploring how European-Americans / “White” people can be more effective on the journey towards eliminating racism.

In this workshop, we will:
* unveil racism and other forms of systematic oppression.
* explore our individual cultural heritages/identities.
* look honestly at our own privilege in a spirit of compassion.
* dialogue ways for being more effective allies to People of Color.
* move towards action and the creation of a more just future.

There is tremendous value in White people coming together supportively to dismantle racism. We believe that there is much work we have to do before an environment is created in which White people and People of Color can consistently come together and have a truly honest dialogue, which is healthy and empowering for all. We consider this workshop a valuable step towards a place where Whites and People of Color can share each other’s stories, do genuine healing, and take effective action in solidarity.

Our approach recognizes and addresses personal as well as institutional racism. We pay particular attention to the more subtle ways racism plays out in the U.S. Though applied theater will be our primary tool, no acting experience is necessary!!

When: November 5-7. 2004
Friday, 9:30-6pm, Sat and Sun, 10am-6:30pm
(Participants must attend all 3 days.)

Where: The Cork Gallery
302 E. Federal Street, Baltimore, MD
(Directions sent upon registration)

Cost: $200 ($250 after 10/1/04)
(No one turned away because of lack of funds)

Registration and Info: 410-889-4700
lbezold@fusiongroup.org

Facilitated by Marc Weinblatt, the Founder & Director of the Mandala Center for Awareness, Transformation, & Action. Marc has been a professional educator, artist, activist, and workshop facilitator since 1980 having extensive experience with both adults and youth. Formerly Artistic Director at the Seattle Public Theater, Marc is an internationally recognized leader in the use of Augusto Boal’s ground breaking Theater of the Oppressed (T.O.) to stimulate personal and social change. He has worked with diverse communities ranging from police to homeless youth, from academics to refugees in Azerbaijan. Marc regularly facilitates T.O. based anti-racism and anti-oppression workshops in a wide variety of contexts across the U.S. with a commitment to bringing a deep sense of spirit and humanity into social justice work.