“You write in order to change the world...if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it.”
The nation is asking something of us right now.
No, not asking. Demanding.
That we pay attention. That we face the truth of our past, acknowledge the shortcomings of our present, and create, together, a more equitable and just future.
But where do we begin?
While the work of racial justice is bigger than any one of us, it will require an awakening of all of us. We must each stand firmly in the knowing of who we are and come to terms with the ways that race has shaped our lives and conditioned our attitudes.
“The care taken with the process allows the experience to be surprisingly gentle without failing to be powerful and real. Experiences like these are what give me hope.”
Race Memoir is a four-week online course that uses guided writing, meditation, and creative expression to explore and excavate the complicated landscape of race in our lives.
We write through some of our earliest childhood memories,
reconnecting with our innocence
We question the messages and warnings we heard growing up,
but didn’t understand until much later
We reach back to our ancestors for compassion, insights, and healing
We raise our voices against all manner of slights and injustice
We speak truths that may not have been welcome, and expose lies that hurt us
We listen deeply to one another, without comment
We reflect what resonates in new and powerful ways
We share physical and emotional resources to help process the material
We mourn so that we may heal, we imagine so that we may create
Whether you are new to the conversation about race, or so sick of it you could spit – there is a space here for you.
“I found the course a safe place to explore all the feelings surfacing during this time. I live in Minneapolis. From COVID to George Floyd, from protests to burning neighborhoods, from sharply divided opinions to people cleaning up the glass and bringing food, this has been a deeply personal experience for me...this class helped me sort through the pieces of my journey, and find my voice and my priorities again.”
Course Details:
Four weekly live interactive, facilitated sessions online (which will also be recorded if you can’t make it)
A facilitated online platform to share writing, resources, and further engagement
Firm guidelines that create a safe container and ensure all voices are heard, all experiences are valid, and all participants are respected
A commitment to confidentiality so that all writing and sharing is held in confidence and contained within the group
Tools and resources to help handle the emotions and insights stirred up by the writing process
“ If you are ready to grow...take this course to open yourself to new possibilities. Show up, participate, tell the truth, and let go of the outcome. You will feel a shift within you to take your next steps forward.”
What this course is not designed for:
This is not an anti-racism course and will not teach any content about racism on personal or systemic levels. That said, it would be a perfect complement to such a course if you are taking one.
This is not a writing course. There will be no critical feedback provided or tips on writing or publishing. This is writing for process, not for product. That said, it would be a powerful experience for writers who want a non-judgmental space to explore this material.
This course will not encourage or facilitate dialogue or conversation among members outside of what is written and shared in the memoir participants write. Our work together will be parallel, not interactive. That said, there *will* be instruction provided on how to metabolize the emotions that will inevitably arise through this process.
“The space and process used in Race Memoir perfectly held such a charged and often challenging topic. I felt safe enough to let myself engage with it, and also to hear from others as they were doing the same.” —Course Participant
Course Facilitators:
Monica Anna Day is a coach, artist and facilitator who specializes in using creative expression as a tool for transformation in her work with individuals, groups, organizations and businesses.
She believes that telling our own stories can be liberating and witnessing and honoring the stories of others is essential. The vulnerable exchange of seeing and being seen forges connections, instigates empathy and understanding, and can lead to both individual and cultural change.
She is currently a master’s candidate at Arcadia University in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program.
For more information: www.monicaday.com
“Monica is a brilliant facilitator – teaching yet learning along with the rest of us and not afraid to be vulnerable to do that. Her heartfelt concern to bring something near to her heart forward was always so evident.” — Course Participant
Oju Ayọ is an artist, writer, healer, and social activist. Educated at Moore College of Art and SUNY Empire State College, she works in a variety of media and formats, including intuitive face painting. From participating as a healer with Harriet's Apothecary to lending her artistic abilities to raise funds for the Center for Anti-Violence Education, she is deeply embedded in her community. Most recently, Oju Ayọ self-published a series of adult coloring books released by IngramSpark, serendipitously available as an offering for those looking for quarantine activities.
To find out more about her work, visit OJUAYO.COM.
“Oju is an intuitive artist, healer and guide. Her drawings have a mystical yet playful form that lends itself to reflection and interpretation by the viewer – the true artist’s gift.” — Course Participant
REGISTRATION
DETAILS
WHEN:
Four Consecutive Tuesdays
October 27th to November 17th, 6:30-8:30pm EST
WHERE:
Live in a Zoom Room, Online in Teachable
If you can’t join the session live, there will be a recording on the Teachable platform. There is also a private place to share, chat, and access course content on the platform, which will be monitored by the facilitators between sessions.
COURSE FEE:
$125
Are you a student or experiencing hardship due to the pandemic?
If so, you qualify for a $50 discount off the cost of registration.
Use the button below to register as a student: