Feb 6-7: “Making Whiteness Visible”

February 6 & 7:  “Making Whiteness Visible”
How often have we heard, “I’m not racist,” or “We have made so much progress, I don’t think racism is a problem any more.”  At the same time, we heard questions and discussion about race all during the recent presidential campaign.  Statistics also tell us that race is strong predictor of income, health, academic achievement, school suspensions, and even jail time.  One factor is that white privilege pervades our culture.  Do you recognize it? Would you like to be part of beginning to dismantle it?
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and East Liberty Lutheran Church are sponsoring two events in February to engage in discussion and begin to take action.  First, on Friday evening, February 6, 2009 from 7 – 9 p.m., everyone is invited to watch the movie “Making Whiteness Visible” and to participate in a discussion.  
Then, Saturday, February 7, there will be a day-long workshop (from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Activities will include screening of the movie, a heart-to-heart conversation to make connections and build awareness, a game to analyze power dynamics, and development of a work plan that includes connecting and integrating racial justice.  The goals are to demonstrate leadership and community building, to develop a work plan, to integrate racial justice into our advocacy, and to enhance our commitment to racial justice on a personal, organizational, and community level.  
Both events will be held at East Liberty Lutheran Church, 5707 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.  They are open to the public.  Suggested donations for the movie Friday is $5.  A donation of $15, which includes a light lunch, is suggested for the Saturday movie and workshop.  Registration for this workshop is requested (so we can plan for lunch and material).  For more information and to register for Saturday, contact Edith Bell (412-661-7149; edith.bell4@verizon.net) or Susan Smith (412-441-5861;smsmith99@verizon.net). 

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