Partners in Restorative Initiatives talking piece Special Edition

February 2020

Dear Allies,

As we celebrate this year’s Black History Month, please join us in honoring some of our finest , past and present. We continue to feel the positive effects of their contributions to our country. Whether it was the invention of a three-light traffic signal by Garrett Augustus Morgan, or the invention of a wagon- mounted fire escape ladder by Joseph Winters, these Americans have made contributions that benefit us all. We honor them this Black History Month—and every day of the year.

Crispus Attucks Joseph Winters Dorie Miller Benjamin Banneker Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Prince Hall Alain Locke Charlie “Bird” Parker James Forten Ethel Hedgeman Lyle David Walker Eubie Blake James Baldwin A. Philip Randolph Nat Turner Zora Neal Hurston Ira Aldridge Benjamin E. Mays John Coltrane Benjamin "Pap" Singleton Martin R. Delany Henry Highland Garnet Toni Morrison Alexander Crummell Percy Julian Maxine Waters Hiram Revels Henry McNeal Turner Charles Drew Mary Eliza Mahoney Lewis Latimer Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Maulana Karenga Samuel Robert Cassius Muhammad Ali Booker T. Washington Reginald F. Lewis Granville T. Woods Katherine Dunham August Wilson Daniel Hale Williams Kweisi Mfume Ida B. Wells-Barnett Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Ruby Bridges Mary Church Terrell Jesse Owens Matthew Henson Kamala Harris Madam C. J. Walker Cecil Moore Michelle Obama W.E.B. Du Bois Franklin Shonda Rhimes Paul Laurence Dunbar Tiger Woods William Monroe Trotter Malcolm X Mary McLeod Bethune John H. Johnson Martin Luther King Jr. Carter G. Woodson Barack Obama

Peaceful and courageous living to you,

Robin Warren “Black History is American History” Operations Manager

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Addressing Structural Racism in our Lives Daniel Redic “It takes more courage to examine the dark corners of your own soul and the back alleys of your society than it does for a soldier to fight on a battlefield” ― William Butler Yeats

The attempt to address structural racism precipi- few of the events that reminded us that there was tates the realization of a singular truth—that a sys- still a profound disgust for the black face in Ameri- tem of racism is maintained and upheld by all who ca. But many people of color, myself included, were are in it. This is a delicate concept to propose be- not surprised that hatred and discrimination were still cause it allows for denial: those who do not wish to thriving. be considered complicit in the continuation of op- While the Obama presidency may have paved the pression can consider themselves bystanders or vic- way for the blatant resurgence of overt racism tims, rather than perpetrators and the guardians of and discrimination during the advent of the Trump oppression. This goes for white people and people of administration, the truth is that these historical color alike, for as long as we are not engaged in events are just markers in the American racial strug- active anti-racism, we are contributing to the continu- gle. Everything in the last 450 years of this country’s ation of systemic oppression. This requires courage, history has culminated in a nation of profoundly trau-

“...for as long as we are not engaged in active anti-racism, we are contributing to the continuation of systemic oppression.”

the courage to look for the truth within oneself and matized people who fall all along the racial spectrum evaluate one’s own part in the inequity that continues from Black to White. This suggests that no one is to thrive in our society. Race is not about skin color safe from the trauma of America's “original sin,” but relationship, and we cannot be in relation if we nor are we exempt from our complicity in it. So, the are in denial about who we truly are. question becomes this: how can we tend to the In 2009 many people saw, for the first time in their wounds that we are still inflicting on ourselves and lives, a shift in the social climate that was unprece- our neighbors and loved ones with our subtle com- dented and foreign—the election of Barack Obama plicity? What even is this complicity? as president of the United States. It seemed to por- For the person of color, the trauma of a hyper- tend the culmination and maturation of a nation racialized society creates internalized oppression mired in centuries of oppression and degradation. that bleeds into everything that they do. For the white The nation seemed to outgrow its history of hating person it becomes a moral trauma where the black faces. However, Obama’s election into office thought of contributing to the degradation and contin- did not simply usher us into a post-racial America, ued oppression of the disenfranchised is abhorrent this was evident throughout much of his presidency. and appalling. The reality is, it’s all pain. It is a pain On the one hand, prominent black leaders chided his that places the blame on anyone but oneself. But it is decisions, claiming that he did not do enough for his our pain, and it does not matter where it comes own people. On the other hand, a majority congress from. We come to terms with this by taking responsi- sought to stifle many of his attempts at efficacy in bility for our own healing. This is a difficult concept to office. It was clear that we had not progressed as far present. It can seem as if I as we had thought. am exempting progressive white people The racial divide that had defined our nation for cen- from responsibility for the privilege-blindness associ- turies was reinvigorated in poignant instances of ated with white supremacy culture. It may also seem hate and discrimination during those eight years. that I am blaming people of color for not getting over The wrongful arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Lou- the injustices that have been visited upon us. How- is Gates Jr. in his own home, the slaying of Treyvon ever, this is furthest from the truth of what I propose. Martin, and the Charleston Church shooting were a The trauma associated with systemic oppression has

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distinctive effects on those on either side of the racial- of oppression, both through inaction and by being ized spectrum. blind to the harm that their own privilege can cause to On one end there is whiteness that is afforded privi- people of color. It requires resolve to experience em- lege and advantage, while on the other end there is pathy for another’s suffering and do something blackness that is viewed as the analogue for the sins to relieve it, rather than protecting their own comfort. of the nation: laziness, violence, lawlessness, etc. In What are people of color responsible for? They are between there are the many shades of other races, responsible for taking on the task of their own heal- socialized in their proximity to whiteness or black- ing. They are responsible for managing their fear, the ness; the closeness to either end of the spectrum de- fear of using their voices when indignity is visited up- termines the level of privilege afforded. on them, the fear of disrupting the equilibrium Your proximity on the spectrum of racial socialization of their white colleagues when faced with inequity, the determines how you have been traumatized by the fear of retaliation and death. This means that society that we live in, be it moral or historical, con- there needs to be a strict evaluation of the ways in science or opportunity. Bearing this in mind, I propose which they participate in the systems of oppression that the road to healing is one of personal responsibil- that dominate their consciousness. People of color ity. We must ask ourselves, ‘what am I responsible need to examine the ways in which they silence for?’ We are responsible for identifying our personal themselves, the ways in which they criticize them- complicity in the systems of oppression that exist and selves and the ways in which they protect the sys- resolving to adjust our behavior through self- tems of oppression that plague them. It takes courage knowledge and courage. to look inside and realize how they believe the nega- For the white person this means that they need to tive ideas that pervade the public consciousness strictly evaluate the de facto privilege that they have. about themselves. It takes courage to heal and to use This includes looking at their personal identity and, the pain associated with hundreds of years of trauma more importantly, the ways in which their privilege to act against the instilled instinct of silence and com- might harm those around them, placency. It takes courage to realize albeit inadvertently. This usually the juxtaposed complexities of being a happens through micro-aggressions person of color in a white- such as color blindness (I don’t see dominated culture. This complexity is color), minimizing the racial experi- W.E.B. Dubois’s double conscious- ences of others by equating personal ness of the Negro, the pressure of as- suffering (I experience discrimination similation, and maintenance of a in these ways…), equating the inten- unique identity. All people of color feel tions of an interaction with this, one foot in the heritage that the impact of that interaction (You misunderstood courses through them and another in enemy territory. me). When they take responsibility for this complicity, The “unreconciled strivings” and “warring ideals” cre- it usually reveals the wounds associated with oppres- ate a painful distaste for self, because the image that sion. It is painful to experi- is reflected back to people of color is decidedly not ence empathy for the experiences of people of color, “American.” And yet, this complex self is undeniably and therefore many white people shy away from ac- American; it is evident in the art, science, literature cepting any responsibility for the system of racism and thoughts that are birthed by the struggles of peo- that exists—because it means that they must take ple of color. It becomes a schizophrenic exercise to some blame for contributing to the continued oppres- function in a society that deems them suboptimal and sion of people of color. A common reaction to being to continue to contribute to that society in a meaning- exposed to this truth is to feel that they are a bad per- ful and productive way. But to do so with full son, and they don’t want to feel that way so they don’t knowledge of self and a resolve to sweep out the dark accept any responsibility for the system as it corners of our souls, is to act from a place of empow- stands. But white people should hold themselves ac- erment and transformation, rather than victimhood— countable for maintaining relationship with people of and that requires courage. color by attending to their own healing. When they For everyone, the attempt to address structural rac- can resolve to repair a relationship broken by the con- ism is a matter of Veritas, of facing a universal truth: tinued weight of imposed restriction and the comfort Where are you complicit? How honest can you be afforded by white privilege, then they will find for about your contribution to the wounds of the Ameri- themselves the impetus to develop thick skin or can spirit? And how much courage can you muster to “racial stamina”—as Robin Diangelo calls it—and en- heal yourself so that we can build relationships in our gage in the healing of others. It takes a measure of collective attempt to outgrow strength to sweep out those dark corners of our souls, our cultural adolescence? to see oneself as an agent of the system 3

WHAT IS A WHITE ALLY?

Taylor Converse Allyship is a process, and everyone has more to learn. Allyship involves a lot of listening. Some- times, people say "doing ally work" or "acting in solidarity with" to reference the fact that "ally" is not an identity, it is an ongoing and lifelong process that involves a lot of work. One type of ally is a white ally. A white ally acknowledges the limits of her/his/their knowledge about other people’s experiences but doesn't use that as a reason not to think and/or act. A white ally does not remain silent but confronts racism as it comes up daily, but also seeks to decon- struct it institutionally and live in a way that challenges systemic oppression, at the risk of experiencing some of that oppression. Being a white ally entails building relationships with both people of color, and also with white people in order to challenge them in their thinking about race. White allies don’t have it all figured out, but are committed to non-complacency.

- Frances E. Kendall. How to Be an Ally if You Are a Person with Privilege WHAT PEOPLE OF COLOR NEED FROM WHITE ALLIES

Adapted from Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Social Justice

What kind of active support does a strong white ally provide to a person of color? Over the years, people of color that Paul Kivel has talked with has been remarkably consistent in de- scribing the kinds of support they need from white allies.

 “Don’t take it personally”  “Respect us”

 “Honesty”  “Listen to us”

 “Understanding”  “Find out about us”

 “Talk to other white people”  “Don’t make assumptions”

 “Teach your children about racism”  “Don’t take over”

 “Interrupt jokes and comments”  “Stand by my side”

 “Speak up” “  “Provide information”

 Don’t ask me to speak for my people”  “Don’t assume you know what’s best for me”

 “Your body on the line”  “Resources”

 “Persevere daily”  “Money”

 “Make mistakes”  “Take risks”

For more information, visit https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/kivel3.pdf

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HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH A Talking Circle @ PiRI

Talking Circles offer a safe space where people can communicate openly and honestly, listen deeply, and build a sense of community

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Monday, February 24, 2020 4pm-5pm

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Spaces to Celebrate & Learn

 Sunday, February 9th. Noon—5pm at The Memorial Art Gallery: Art, Storytelling, Music and Community. Suggested Donation of $5 per group. This event is all ages.

 Saturday, February 15th. 10am—12pm at The Irondequoit Public Library: Black Inven- tors and their contributions to society. Activities for all ages and light refreshments.

 Friday, February 21st. 11am—1pm at The Southwest YMCA: Black Heritage Month Celebration. $10 per person, prior ticket purchase required to RSVP a spot. This event is for all ages.

 Saturday, March 28th. 6pm at The Rochester Riverside Convention Center: Black Heritage Gala. Theme: " and the Vote: The Power & Value of the Black Vote." Fee: $60 a person.

MUST FOLLOW Instagram Activists

 Shaun King—Founder of The Action Pac, Flip the Senate and The North Star Media. Author of Make Change

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 Rachel Elizabeth Cargle—Public Academic, Writer & Lecturer

rachel.cargle

 Tarana J. Burke—Girl’s Advocate, Founder of the ‘me too’ movement

taranajaneen

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FEBRUARY 2020 Our Calendar  Feb 3 Talking Circle Series to End Hate @ both PiRI from 1pm-3pm and @ The Henrietta Library from 6pm- 8pm—FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 Feb 3 Overview of Restorative Practices @ The Church of Transfiguration, Pittsford

 Feb 5 1 Day CRE Through a Restorative Lens @ Greece Schools

 Feb 5 1 Day Train the Trainer Session for Webster Schools @ PiRI

 Feb 5 Conference Session: The Role of Mindfulness in Restorative Practices @ RIT Inn and Conference Center

 Feb 7 Workshop on Restorative Conversations @ Snell Farms, Hillside Family of Agencies

 Feb 11-13 3 Day Community Building Circle Training for West Irondequoit Schools @ PiRI

 Feb 18 Academic Circle about the History of Segregation in Rochester for the PiRI team @ PiRI

 Feb 24 Talking Circle @ PiRI—Honoring Black History Month—FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 Feb 25-26 2 Day Restorative Discipline Training @ BOCES 2—OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 Feb 26 1 Day Train the Trainer for Fairport Schools @ PiRI

 Feb 28 Restorative Process Practice Group for PiRI Trainees @ PiRI

SAVE THE DATE:

 March 6: Responding to Racism Through Restorative Processes—Part 3— OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 March 10-12: 3 Day Community Building Circle Training @ PiRI—OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 March 17: Overview of Restorative Practices for School Leaders @ BOCES 2—OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

For more information and to register, visit our website at www.pirirochester.org and click Events

or contact us at 585-473-0970 or [email protected].

If you would like to volunteer as a Library Talking Circle co-facilitator, please contact Shira May at [email protected]

talking piece is the monthly newsletter of

Partners in Restorative Initiatives. A talking piece is used in circles to create a space for each person to speak and for others to listen.

Contributing writers: Robin Warren, Taylor Converse and Daniel Redic Designation Number 2486 Send mailing updates, corrections and submissions to: Partners in Restorative Initiatives 111 Hillside Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610 talking piece

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