Tapestry of Faith: Building the World We Dream About: An Anti-racism Multicultural Program

Spiritual Preparation

Read and reflect on this passage from Derald Wing Sue, author of What Must People of Color Do to Overcome Racism and Overcoming Our Racism: The Journey to Liberation:

In light of the historical and continuing experiences of oppression, even I marvel at our ability to continue our lives in such a normative fashion. . . . It is ironic that overcoming adversity has led us to develop an ability to understand the minds of our oppressors with astounding clarity.

If you are a Person of Color or someone from a racially or ethnically marginalized group, what in Sue's statement reflects your own experience? In what ways does it not?

If you are a person who identifies as White or of European ancestry, consider what Sue has to say. Does it change or deepen your understanding of Whiteness or White privilege?

Take time to journal about your responses or share them with your co-facilitator or another trusted conversation partner.