Race-Work is
Love work. Soul work. Humanity work.
“I do this work because I believe in this work. And I believe in this work because I believe that it changes lives. When participants leave my seminars with an elevated level of racial consciousness and tools to interrupt systemic racism, their lives are changed, and they have the capability to change the lives and world of those around them.”
“It’s not enough to
be non racist,
we must be antiracist.”
— Angela Davis
Through personally reflective exercises, thought-provoking dialogue, and race-centered instruction, your journey to anti-racist leadership begins.
Corporate
Partnerships
When it comes to dealing with issues about race, many organizations focus on guidelines, and policies that will “fix” the problem of racism within their existing structures and cultures. That work often proves futile. Organizations must disrupt the structural racism that is entrenched not only in its history, policies and culture, but in the mindsets and practices of individuals as well. This requires focused attention on personal, professional, and organizational racial equity transformation.
“You allowed us to feel comfortable and safe talking about a ‘touchy’ subject for many. You are very brave and handled us all with grace and patience. I truly learned to put many of my feelings into words, and in better context.”
Heather Wilson,
Attorney at Law, Children’s Law Center
Education Partnerships,
K–12 & Higher Ed.
To disrupt and dismantle the inherently racist educational system that holds students back, educators must be inherently anti-racist. This requires consistently considering how we unwittingly assist in the reproduction of a racial order through our everyday interactions with students, in addition to our everyday experiences outside of schools. Digging deep into racial equity work helps educators begin to deconstruct often unconscious personal biases and beliefs, develop the knowledge and skills to challenge and disrupt them, thereby moving themselves closer to an elevated level of personal and professional racial consciousness.
“Dr. Lori Watson is one of the most powerful speakers and presenters I have ever experienced. She is warm, yet profoundly direct in the way she invites and encourages participants to talk, think, and reflect on race in America. I cannot overstate the transformative effect she had on every educator in the room at the workshop I attended, and I think her message will do the same for parents in our community.”
Andrea Gough,
Middle School Teacher, Mill Valley CA
SLAM! (Student Leaders’ Antiracist Movement!) is designed to not just engage students in conversations about race, but to empower and mobilize them as catalysts for change through an anti-racist leadership youth movement. SLAM! participants deepen their personal racial understanding and elevate their racial consciousness as they develop the skills and tools to disrupt systemic racism within their schools, communities, and the larger society.
“My anti racism work with Dr. Watson has been the most valuable lesson I’ve ever learned. Being white, there is so much privilege that I have that I was unaware of before participating in these important conversations with Dr. Watson. My world looks completely different and because of this work that I participated in, I feel as though I have been prepared to have discussions on race with my friends and family…”
Lena Pothier
Student, Tredyffrin-Easttown, PA
WHAT IS SLAM!? KENT MIDDLE SCHOOL SHARES THEIR STORY.
Parent/Guardian & Community Partnerships
For some parents, talking about race to a child can be unnerving. Largely because many parents, particularly white parents, were taught to be “colorblind”, rather than “color conscious.” But children begin to notice race as early as 6 months and begin to develop biases as young as 3. Parents must realize that when nothing is said about race, a lot is actually still being communicated. An important first step in talking to our children about race is to first do our own race-work.
“I’m still reeling, basking, reminiscing, loving the last two days. You are such an inspiration. Your personality, your ability to make everyone feel comfortable and facilitating uncomfortable situations and conversations are skills that are highly valued.”
Khadija Hansia,
Islamic Center of Mill Valley, CA
