Racism in Allyship – a Zoom dialogue

White people have been a part of every movement for liberation, from the Underground Railroad through Black Lives Matter.  Yet the presence of white allies is often bittersweet; along with their courage, resources, and passion, they bring their unexamined racial conditioning, causing harm to the very people they want to join in solidarity.  Please join us as Center Member Laura Gallier shares her journey as a white woman committed to racial justice.  A facilitated dialogue will follow the presentation.

Laura became a racial justice activist after witnessing educational disparities as a volunteer in an elementary school in which the faculty, administration, and student body were almost exclusively Black.  Fortunately for everyone involved, Laura soon found The Center for the Healing of Racism,  SURJ, and Undoing Racism, where she began to examine how she showed up as an ally, learn about historical and current racism, and understand cultural differences and privilege.  She is involved in grassroots activism in disaster recovery, criminal justice, and electoral justice, and is a facilitator with the Center for the Healing of Racism.

Volunteer ASL Interpreting will be provided by interns enrolled in the University of Houston ASL Interpreting Program.

“I teach a graduate level social work course titled “Diversity and Leadership” for Baylor University. The context for this class includes use of anti-racist ideology and theory. Laura came and spoke about what it means to be an ally. Her use of self and sharing personal stories and also in bringing awareness to intersectionality resonated with each student. She did an amazing job — the students had plenty of questions — and the discussion could have easily continued if we had the time. I think they each left with more clarity around what it means to do this work and how anyone can be an ally to others. I was especially appreciative of her presence and energy as the white students needed to hear her story . . . and they expressed a feeling of being validated and supported after hearing her speak.” ~ Kenya R. Minott, MSW

Free and open to the public with donations encouraged.  To donate click here.

To reserve your spot, please register below by February 9.  You will receive a Zoom link a few days before the event.