Beyond Colorblindness
RACE AND THE AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM
February 18, 2022 at 1:30pm
What is it?
A follow-up discussion to the training series "Beyond Colorblindness: Race & The American Legal System."
Why?
This roundtable will provide participants who completed the training series or others interested to anonymously submit questions relating to specific challenges or concerns about implementing the training's tools in their organization or area.
This will be a candid but confidential dialogue with practical advice on shifting your sphere of influence closer towards racial equity. The roundtable discussion will not be recorded, and we will ask participants to keep the content confidential and allow for open dialogue.
When?
Roundtables will be scheduled to accommodate the greatest number of submissions. Discussion hosts will coordinate with submitters and disseminate details when finalized.
What Else?
We understand that these discussions can be fraught with tension, and we have worked to ensure a safe space for everyone to grow and leave informed and empowered while protecting the confidentiality of submissions.
Please email Nicole Davis-Brown for inquiries at: nd@advocatingopportunity.com
This unique 10-part virtual and interactive training series takes an in-depth look at the origins of race in America, how the idea of race was constructed and refined in American society, the regulatory history of race and the modern impact of that history. This comprehensive overview of America’s racial trajectory provides participants with the tools necessary to have nuanced and productive discourse about race across racial lines. The training helps participants understand how that history has contributed to our present racial climate and what we can do as individuals and organizations to champion racial equity. The training concludes by equipping participants with strategies for mitigating racial harm through a proactive racially conscious lens. The training also invites participants to consider why this approach is more desirable than the colorblind orientation that is ordinarily embraced. This training is designed for participants of all knowledge levels who work in the legal system and desire to develop racial competence skills. The training space is intentionally crafted with grace, authenticity, and candor at its core as participants are encouraged to be vulnerable and honest as they cultivate understanding.
Beyond Colorblindness is principally focused on building competency and capacity in the area of racial equity for those involved in the legal system, and is not concerned with blame or culpability. The content is anchored by the events of history as a lens to understand our present.
Our facilitator, RaShya Ghee, has years of experience in facilitating candid discussions around race which participants have expressed have left them feeling empowered and informed. Attendees’ responses to her racial justice training have been overwhelmingly favorable, giving her content and relaxed, open style rave reviews. This training is an opportunity for those within the legal system to take steps towards their commitment to creating a more racially equitable society. All those who would like to benefit from more understanding of and tools for our present racial challenges, are invited to register and attend.
DELIVERABLES
Trainees who participate in all sessions will emerge with a substantive understanding of race as a social construct, its origins in American society, how race has structurally manifested in American life, and the influence of this on the legal system and legal practice.
Trainees will explore popular vocabulary within the racial equity and racial justice space and differentiate between frequently misused and misunderstood terms with illustrative examples and robust discussion.
Trainees will leave equipped with effective strategies for anticipating, identifying, and mitigating racial harms within the legal field.
Trainees will have access to supplemental materials to continue to advance their understanding outside of the training time and a resource toolkit to consult for implementation of the strategies covered during training sessions.
THE HYPE
“Thank you so much. I’m one of the older generation people here and it’s bringing tears so thank you. It really is excellent and it gives you such a deep understanding. We’ve had a lot of race stuff but it’s been just shaming white people and you don’t even understand where different people are coming from. I’ve had a pretty emotional time in this training but in a good way. I just wanted to say that and say that I really appreciate you. I live in Maine which is the whitest state in the Union and it has been so helpful to get to the core and the root of it all.”-Patty from a social services organization in Portland, Maine
“This has really been …um…I look forward to it every week. You are such a dynamic speaker and you make this very hard stuff digestible with wonderful analogies and analysis. I really appreciate it.”-Michelle from a social services organization in Portland, Maine
“I noticed that your presentation was not based on emotion but facts. That made it much easier to hear truth and understand the history and how it extends to modern times. If this is how it were taught more often I think the reality of history, slavery, and racism would open more people’s eyes, hearts, and minds.” - training participant from a social services organization in Canton, Ohio
“I agree. This is the first racial conversation that did not evoke the defensive triggers that so many of these conversations have. I am hungry for understanding and education.” training participant from a social services organization in Canton, Ohio
“Ms. RaShya grasped my full undivided attention the entire time. Well put together and extremely informative. I walked away with more knowledge and a greater understanding.”-training participant from a social services organization in Toledo, Ohio
“This was one of the best trainings I’ve ever been part of.”- training participant from a social services organization in Toledo, Ohio
“Thank you for an overall awesome course. I really enjoyed the material discussed. Even though there are still things that I do not know, learning from you helped set a foundation.” UT Student Spr 21
“Thank you for a great semester. I really enjoyed your class and found it challenging in a very good way. The discussions in our class really changed my thought process and I hope to continue to learn and grow my awareness of race and racism.”- UT Student Spr 21
“I really enjoyed your class this semester and have arguably learned more through this class than any other while in law school.” Matt B UT Student Fa 19
“I want to say thank you for an amazing semester. I enjoyed every single class. You were so open to all of our perspectives and helped us challenge every thought we have and how it might impact those around us. I hope you get the opportunity to teach similar classes in the future because I would definitely take them.” Mariah T UT Student Fa 19
“I love this course and feel very lucky that I got to take it! We had the type of conversations that I felt had been sorely absent and much needed in so many of my other classes.”-UMN Student Spr 21
“This should be a required course taught by Professor Ghee even if it has to be remote. It should still be taught by her remotely to every single person that attends the University of Minnesota Law School.”- UMN Student Spr 21
Sponsored By
This program was financially assisted by the Ohio State Bar Foundation with support from the Toledo Bar Association Foundation. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Ohio State Bar Foundation or the Toledo Bar Association.