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

Handout 3: Reflection Group for Biracial-Multiracial People

Participants in the Biracial/Multiracial Reflection Group will work to explore, affirm, and heal their spirit by first naming the landscape of their experience. They will also consider how to create healthy relationships alongside White people and People of Color and from racially or ethnically marginalized groups who are committed to dismantling structures of systematic domination.

Select a facilitator who will ask questions and keep track of time. Use the Serial Testimony Protocol (Workshop 2, Leader Resource 2) to discuss the questions that follow. Note that there are more questions below than your group will have time to fully explore. The facilitator should choose questions that will engage and challenge the group. Be sure to save ten minutes at the end for recording group reflections and closing.

About the program:

  • How is the program going for you so far?
  • What has been your previous experience of talking about race with people who consider themselves to be mixed race or biracial? When did you feel supported? What felt awkward or risky?
  • Describe the places where the content of the program engages you, and when you feel disconnected. What role, if any, does White privilege or race-based identity or oppression play in your feelings of connection or disconnection?

Identity questions:

  • Who taught you how to be ___________ (Latina/o/Hispanic, biracial/multiracial, etc.)? How are those lessons still playing out in your life today?
  • What have you discovered about your own history with racism that is puzzling you?
  • How have you contributed to maintaining systems of White supremacy? How, if at all, do you still contribute to that system?
  • Racism invokes shame and confusion for many racially or ethnically marginalized groups. What issues have been raised for you?
  • How might it be possible to be antiracist without appearing to be anti-White?

Spiritual questions:

  • What role might biracial/multiracial groups play in debunking the dysfunctions of racial dominance?
  • In your opinion, how does the theology of Unitarian Universalism speak to biracial/multiracial people?
  • What practices and policies can the congregation create that would keep you at the table in good faith and with a sense of integrity?
  • Where do you believe the realities of Unitarian Universalism falls short of its ideals?
  • What role can the community of biracial/multiracial people play to support and encourage your spiritual journey?

Closing the Exercise (10 minutes)

Prior to your closing, ask participants to prepare a list of statements they want White people and People of Color and from racially or ethnically marginalized groups to know about their experience and lessons learned so far. The list should being with these words: What I want White people and People of Color and from racially or ethnically marginalized groups to know about my experience here is... .