Facing Racism - An Introduction to Creating Sanctuary Spaces for Healing Racial Trauma in Ourselves and Our World

Do you feel frustrated, angry or confused when confronted with issues of racial violence in the world? Do you find you sometimes shut down, feel a sense of overwhelm, or feel exhausted from the unending onslaught of racial bias?  

Is there a part of you that knows deep down there must be a better way to deal with it all? 

How well do most of our communities actually do at creating safe, welcoming spaces for people from varied racial and cultural backgrounds? And how can that be improved?

Decades of racial equity policies and practices, along with good intentions, creative ideas, and mindfulness training haven’t resulted in the systemic change or interpersonal healing around race that we know is possible.  

There IS a different way to deal with racism that can result in more healing, wellness, and capacity to respond with love- for ourselves and each other. This in turn impacts the creation, implementation, and enforcement of racial equity policies and practices.

The missing link is engaging our body.

In this workshop, we’ll draw on the work of Resmaa Menakem and Staci Haines as well as the inspiration of bell hooks.  We’ll weave together practical exercises that fit into everyday life with some frames for understanding, and opportunities for interpersonal reflection.  Some of our exploration will be in racial affinity groups.  

“The moment we choose to love, we begin to move against domination, against oppression. 

The moment we choose to love, we begin to move towards freedom, 

to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others. 

That action is the testimony of love as the practice of freedom.” 

- bell hooks

Come join us to build a different kind of relationship with the racial challenges that arise, and contribute to healing or wellness in the world. 

The workshop is highly experiential and live participation is expected. 

We invite you to share this event with your networks, especially any of your Black, Indigenous, and people of color friends and colleagues to support them in cultivating stronger pathways to healing and resilience.

Spaces are limited to support a responsive and participatory space.   

Carlee Adamson &  Anouk Shambrook