Unlearning Racism, Redefining Identity: Culture workers and the frontlines of Change

The fabric of racism is inextricably woven and constructed into the founding principles of the United States. Racism was done and it can be undone through effective anti-racist organizing with, and in accountability to the communities most impacted by racism. The People's Institute believes that effective community and institutional change happens when those who serve as agents of transformation understand the foundations of race and racism and how they continually function as a barrier to community self-determination and self-sufficiency.This course focuses on understanding what racism is, where it comes from, how it functions, why it persists and how it can be undone. The classes, led by organizers of the People's Institute, guest artists and scholars, utilize a systematic approach that emphasizes learning from history, developing leadership, maintaining accountability to communities, creating networks, undoing internalized racial oppression and understanding the role of organizational gate keeping as a mechanism for perpetuating racism.