“The claim of ‘not racist’ neutrality is a mask for racism,” says Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist. I think he may be on to something. I know that skin color has absolutely nothing to do with a person’s abilities or worth, but am I doing enough to stop the rampant racism in our country? I don’t think so. Do I fully understand systemic racism and how insidious it is? I doubt it.
If you are like me and see the value in all people and would like to understand the problem better in hopes of doing better to create a new culture where racism is a thing of the past, then I invite you to join me for Justice in January.
During the month of January, every day we will learn something about racism using suggestions by [the nonprofit] Project HOME. You could spend just 10 minutes a day, or more if you like. When we’re done, I propose we get together virtually or at New Culture Workshop (brainchild of local artist extraordinaire Ken Vallario) to share our thoughts, ideas and experiences.
The calendar of ideas can be found at bit.ly/junejustice. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss what we learn and share ideas at kriskramer64@gmail.com.
— Kris Kramer
Black Mountain
Mr. Kramer, we invite you to join the YWCA of Asheville’s 21-day Challenge on Racial Equity and Social Justice starting January 1st. Our 21 Day Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Participants who sign up for the Challenge will receive daily tasks via email to help foster their understanding and awareness, with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, or reflecting on personal experience. We’d love to have you and anyone interested join our challenge. Visit our homepage for more info ywcaofasheville.org
The thieves themselves are always the best ones to teach the others how they should secure their belongings.
What? Do you write this stuff when you’re asleep?