Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group
Lois Schmidt, Leader
Joan Green, Co-Leader
We offer opportunities for learning and discussion about race for those concerned with racial justice and harmony.
Meeting Frequency & Location
Have you felt like the race problems in our would are too big but you are still concerned and want to make a difference? Have you wondered about questions like, “How can I talk comfortably with someone who is different from me? Why is it important to talk about race? What brought us to this place and time with regard to racial issues? What would a racially just and equitable society look and feel like? Will we ever get there?”
We invite you to join in the discussion. The group will start by looking at some of the historical events and doctrines, perpetuated by community institutions and the government that have affected race and racial perceptions.
| SCHEDULE | TIME | LOCATION |
| 2nd or 3rd Friday of the Month | 10:00 am – noon | To be announced |
Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group Goals and Objective
Our Goal: A shared focus on the importance of continuing our discussion of structural racism and our common interest in developing racial justice.
To accomplish this goal, we will:
- Continue our comparative analysis of American history and today’s responses to racial prejudice;
- Gain an understanding of how traditional views (for example, of “melting pot” theories and “colorblindness” policies) have ignored and denied racism in the United States;
- Expand our discussion of social issues and institutions that maintain racism;
- Alter prejudicial patterns of thought and behavior; and
- Seek ways to build racial equity and inclusion to help create a new and more hopeful legacy for now and for future generations.
Fall Calendar for Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group
Friday, 9/24/21, 10-12, Auditorium. General Monthly Meeting (New location)
Friday, 10/8/21, 10-12, Gallery in CTS. General Monthly Meeting
Friday, 10/22/21, 10-11:30, CTS 216. Book Study Group. *New Program
Friday, 11/12/21, 10-12, Gallery in CTS. General Monthly Meeting
Friday, 11/26/21 or date TBD. Book Study Group
The “Multiracial Awareness Discussion Group” provides an opportunity for residents who are concerned with race relations and racial justice to study and discuss the history and current issues of racism in our country. We have been meeting monthly for the past three years. The educational programs are planned by a committee of black and white residents. We welcome anyone to participate who shares our concern for racial justice and equity.
Our programs for the coming year are beginning again. We will explore the theme of “Creating a Common Memory.” It will give us an opportunity to learn about and discuss the history of our country, which we may not have learned in school. To better understand the racial disparities that exist today in wealth, health, housing and education it is helpful to study the founding documents, policies, laws and events which contribute to the racial issues we are facing today.
On Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10:00 am, we will gather in the Auditorium to watch a video about our history from the “Doctrine of Discovery” through western expansion. This will be followed by small group discussions. Our programs will continue monthly on the second Friday mornings. (No sign-up required.)
*New program: “Become Antiracist: Book Discussion and Action” is an additional monthly meeting for those interested in an in-depth study, discussion and action group using three current books: How to be an Antiracist, (Ibram X. Kendi,) So You Want to Talk About Race, (Ijeoma Oluo) and Waking Up White, (Debby Irving.). This will be a small (limit !0) group to facilitate personal discovery and sharing. (Sign up required.) Participants will be asked to commit to trying to attend all 6 monthly sessions, do the assigned reading and explore a personal antiracist action each month.
The books are available from the Baltimore County Library and the program handouts will have excerpts if participants do not wish to read the assigned chapters. The anticipated time commitment for homework is a minimum of 15-30 minutes to read only the excerpts and discussion questions Further reading and contemplation of the questions will be individual choice. The first meeting is Friday, October 22, 2021, 10-12 in CTS 216. Subsequent meetings will occur monthly.
To sign up for this Book Study Group or for more information, email or call Lois Schmidt or Joan Green, co-facilitators for the planning committee. Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson.
We look forward to learning with each other and sharing concerns and experiences as we strive for a more equitable society.