LET'S TALK ABOUT RACISM

Cate Woolner

Jade Barker

The New Salem Public Library is offering a two-part Zoom program, "Let's Talk About Racism," on Tuesday, April 20 with a follow-up book discussion on Tuesday, May 11th, from 7-8:30pm.

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On April 20, local racial justice presenters, Cate Woolner of Northfield, and Jade Barker of Hadley, will help the participants to understand how everyone in the United States, regardless of race, is exposed to the racist messages that permeate our culture. Using a mix of presentation and small-group discussion they will help people explore how unconscious bias works in all of us, and the role that guilt and shame play in interfering with understanding and undoing racism.  The overarching question is:  what is hidden in plain sight?

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The May 11 ZOOM book discussion led by Woolner and Barker will provide an opportunity for further self-reflection leading to further learning and action after people read "Me an White Supremacy", by Layla Saad, a New York Times Bestseller book.

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"Sometimes in a homogenous, predominantly white community, racism can be invisible.  People think that these problems don't happen here," explains presenter Jade Barker.  "Yet when we examine our hard-wired, unconscious biases, we find some surprising messages and beliefs.  We can't undo racism until we rethink the narrative, we all swam in growing up in the United States where white is the standard, the norm, the superior group.  Unpacking that and understanding how we might unknowingly perpetuate these harmful ideas, strengthens our community, brings us together, and invites us to be more welcoming and inclusive."

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The presenters, Jade Barker and Cate Woolner, are professional trainers, facilitators, and mediators who offer interactive anti-racist programs that encourage people to consider their own role in the systemic racism of our country, and encourage them to take action in their communities.

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To register click: https://forms.gle/zE3UPaqyLc7Wx8Bp9 or for more information on the programs contact:  New Salem Library Director Diana Smith, 978-544-6334, n_salem@cwmars.org.

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Hosted by the New Salem Public Library

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This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, a local agency

which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.