2 new classes, resources, solidarity, and book giveaway
Dear dear friends,
There is so much to say right now; my head is swimming with it. And there is even more to which to listen. As a teacher and practitioner of Nonviolent Communication, I am deeply aligned with nonviolence, and I recognize that I live in the privilege of never having been systemically, historically oppressed and dehumanized.*
The relevant question, in my mind, does not center around the legitimacy of the protests against police violence. The question is why are people of color so exhausted, discouraged and outraged, and why haven’t white people been listening?
Author and activist Ijeoma Oluo says in this stunning interview, “There’s no way to avoid absorbing our American culture, which was designed to benefit white males. We absorb American racism in ways we’re not fully aware of.” In essence, the soil of our country is poisoned with racism. And this is the soil we eat and drink from. And yet, many of us have been taught that we’re not racist, but are the “good white people.” No wonder we come across as racially fragile and defensive when presented with our impact.
Waking up to privilege is uncomfortable and liberating. Here are some resources I’ve appreciated:
Facing Privilege Free Conference Calls – Miki Kashtan does a beautiful job of holding all with care while pressing our feet to the fire of transformation.
White Awake combats white supremacy by focusing on educational resources and spiritual practices designed to engage people who’ve been socially categorized as “white” in the creation of a just and sustainable society.
A couple resources to learn more about racism in this country:
So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo BOOK GIVEAWAY – THIS WONDERFUL BOOK WAS GIFTED TO ME AND I’D LIKE TO GIFT A NEW COPY TO SOMEONE. LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED IN GIVEAWAY.
Mindful of Race by Ruth King
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X Kendi
Post-traumatic Slave Disorder video – Dr Joy DeGruy
Suggestions from POC on what white people can do to support:
Performative Allyship is Deadly and What to do Instead
The Untold: Talk to your white children about racism
I am no expert. I am likely to cause pain from my ignorance. And, I will care for my discomfort and keep trying because a world that works only for some is not a world that works.
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As always, there is a lot of eating:
Two New June Classes:
I am offering two online classes in June, one for parents and one for anyone. 15% of all proceeds will go to Bryan Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative
Enter the book giveaway for one copy of So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo by entering a comment below.
And, if all else fails with your teenager, turns out getting a dog addresses at least half your problems.
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Rachel,
You have a marvelous way with words. While we have talked openly in our home about the racial divide and social injustice, the current atmosphere and Amelia’s deeper questions have opened a new interest in reading more non-fiction regarding black issues and history. We have a laundry list of summer reading already going and So You Want To Talk About Race is in the queue from the library, but would love a personal copy sooner. I also just listened to Ibram X Kendi interviewed on Brene’ Brown’s podcast which left me with multiple ah ha moments. I would definitely recommend the listen.
On an lighter note, your rhubarb looks amazing! I might need to get some gardening pointers :)
Krista
Krista,
Thanks for the heads up on Ibram X Kendi on Brené Brown’s podcast! I love both these humans. xo
I’m here, reading, appreciating.
Hi Rachel! I look forward to reading your blog so much! I love how your writing weaves together your family, parenting, food, gardening and whatever else is going on in such a meaningful way… you do it poignantly- with love, humor and a realness we all crave. Thank you and much love to you and the fam ✨
I love you blog and would love to read that book!
Thank you for sharing all of these resources, Rachel. Our group met last night to pick a book to read, and we’re starting with Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Love the new family pooch!
“The good white people” is a very interesting thought. I’m definitely aware of my lack of racial experience, living in rural MT, and attempting to do better for/with my kids.
Thank you Rachel- in a world gone crazy it is refreshing to look at pictures of growing things and have a list of resources. And speaking of growing things, wow when did Col turn into a man?! It feels like he made the leap from one blog post to the next. Much love to you and your tribe from SF.
Hi,
I hoped you would have a post on BLM and was reassured when you did. I would love to be added to drawing as this book was next on my list after White Fragility which I have now finished.
FYI – Not that you asked or wondered but FYI I’ve been following you for years. I haven’t been commenting on folks who’ve I’ve followed for less than a month/haven’t reviewed their previous posts. I think it is important to mention this when I do comment as advice to others, especially fellow white people, who are taking a lot of space and energy on pages (especially black peoples pages) right now with questions that are addressed elsewhere.
All the best,
Michelle – Missoula, MT
Rachel – will you be sending recordings of the classes? I would love to join but the times don’t work for me.
thank you for these resources. i am with you in that place of discomfort, knowing i am unaware of the level of my own biases, but working hard to build new awareness and take more action.
Excellent writing! Thanks for the resources! I love your whole website.