NEWBURYPORT — The PEG Center for Art & Activism, the YWCA of Greater Newburyport and Eddie Carson, dean of multicultural education at The Governor’s Academy, present the second session of an anti-racism series on Thursday, March 21, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the PEG Center, 3 Harris St., Newburyport.
Titled “What We Don’t Know,” the event will feature Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) members of the community discussing their personal experience in the predominately white city of Newburyport.
The series began earlier in March with a lecture, “Being Black in White Spaces: A Brave Talk for Racial Justice”, by Carson. More than 100 people learned about the structural inequalities, microaggressions and cultural insensitivities that affect the lives of BIPOC people.
“What We Don’t Know” will feature the voices of people seeking to be seen and heard. The audience will listen as Carson asks questions and moderates the discussion among a small group of BIPOC community members about their experiences.
“We believe the fishbowl conversation will be transformative for white allies as they grow in their perspective and awareness of marginalized voices. In essence, listening to BIPOC voices is not just an act of solidarity but a crucial step toward building a more equitable and just society,” said Carson.
Space is limited; preregister online at www.thepegcenter.org. Suggested donation is $10.
The next events in the anti-racism series include:
Community Conversation No. 2 — “Colors Like Me: Family Conversations”
Thursday, April 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The PEG Center.
Families are invited to participate in a discovery and Q&A, led by Amanda Bradbury, YWCA Director of Youth Services, and Anne Upton, YWCA Inclusion Specialist. Pizza and dessert will be served! Also on display will be the “Colors Like Me Project” artwork, showcasing the YWCA’s after-school program and their ongoing curriculum to embrace race and dismantle racism.
Community Conversation No. 3 — “Committing to Change: Becoming Anti-Racist.”
Thursday, May 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The PEG Center.
The series ends with actionable items and commitments from local leaders, citizens and friends to literally begin to change the face and forecast of the community.