Abstract
Being in a relationship with people who don’t look like us poses challenges and opportunities. The courage to explore this is no small feat. However, when one engages in this practice, they are better for it. This workshop draws from the book, We Are Not Like Them, by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza. The book is told from alternating perspectives, centered around the lifelong bond between two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is dramatically altered by a tragic event—a powerful exploration of race in America today and its devastating impact on ordinary lives. The facilitators of this workshop, both social workers and higher education professors, share similar demographics to the authors and main characters of this book and have engaged in and practiced dialogue which challenges and honors one another’s identity, race, spiritual backgrounds, and beliefs. This workshop will engage participants in the examining their perceptions on issues related to diversity. Participants will explore their beliefs, practice developing a foundation to have uncomfortable and courageous conversations. Practice activities will involve processing of feelings and emotions regarding exercised. The final discussion will be on strengthening relationships. Focus will be on strengthening relationships to engage in dialogue that challenges our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and considers the lens through which we view the world.
Presenters
Terrilyn Hickman AllenProgram Coordinator/Assistant Professor, Behavioral Health/Human Services, Community College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Race, Diversity, Spirituality, Beliefs, Courage, Identity, Religion, Ethnicity, Culture
