'Courageous Communications’ Workshop in Newtown Focuses on Whiteness and Blackness as Racial Ideas

LANGHORNE BOROUGH >> “Courageous Communications #101: Whiteness and Blackness as Racial Ideas” is the title of a workshop to be held Sunday, April 23 from 2 p.m.to 4:30 p.m. at the Newtown Friends Meeting House, 219 Court St., Newtown Borough.

The workshop will be led by Barbara Simmons, executive director of The Peace Center, and Brad Sheeks, a member of the Newtown Friends Meeting (Quaker.)

In a small-group sharing mode, participants will explore how these ideas shape our experience of ourselves and others.

“We need to really look at our privilege and black subjugation in American history,” she said. “Blacks are treated as second class citizens in our society.”

Simmons said “Courageous Communications” is different than the “Dialogues on Race” that The Peace Center has been holding continuously even before the presidential election.

“This is another way of engaging in dialogue around understanding one-another better – understanding our differences and understanding our stories with a goal of finding out commonalities,” she said.

“People are trying to figure out where to turn,” Simmons said. “People are looking for a place to go -- places to put their horror -- their upset-- their righteous rage -- and they want to be part of the solution.”

Here are thoughts shared by a few who have registered:

“I would like to contribute as an individual who is African-American and Muslim.”

“I would like to discuss how I can become more aware of white privilege and how I can talk about race with friends of another race.”

“I would hope to take away from your workshop some skills which would address:

· Instantly recognizing when my bigotry switch is flipped;

· Forgiving myself for being human;

· Allowing the fear to go; and

· Embracing the other as my beloved brother/sister.”

“I have a desire to participate in this conversation that might inform me, and others, how to help in some way to alleviate the complicated and tenacious problem of racism.”

“I hope to continue to increase my awareness of how I may unconsciously/unintentionally say something hurtful to others”

There is no charge for the program, but contributions to The Peace Center are welcomed.

For more information about “Courageous Communications,” please contact Brad Speers at bsheeks@verizon. com

ABOUT THE PEACE CENTER

Our Vision

A diverse community committed to living together in Justice and Peace.

Our Mission

To educate, empower and support individuals and organizations in efforts to prevent violence, promote peaceful resolution of conflict and foster inclusive, equitable and safe communities locally, nationally and worldwide.

The Peace Center is located in Langhorne. We have been working for community peace and social justice since 1982. Our programs are designed to help reduce violence and conflict in our schools, homes and communities through a multicultural, community-based approach. We are dedicated to furthering peace by understanding and managing conflict in our community, our nation and our world.