As members of UU Oakland we have committed ourselves to building a radically inclusive multiracial, multicultural, multigenerational community that counters oppression and privilege in our hurting world. We are called to create a world of mutual human liberation.  It is a leap of faith towards a bold vision that was begun long before we were born and won’t be finished in our lifetimes, but nevertheless we are called to do our part. 

 

Shame, frustration, anger, disappointment are guideposts on the journey. So are laughter, surprise and delight.  Thinking, talking and feeling about oppressive systems is painful at first, but then it gets easier. Moving through the hard parts can allows for more joy and ease.

 

Taking off the blinders and roles assigned to us long before we were born is the ultimate act of liberation.

 

The work of being in a multicultural community by definition involves people who come from oppressed communities and people who come from privileged communities learning how to be in community together. 

 

Join in this six-week exploration where each of us will get the opportunity to reflect on our own social location and how that impacts our ability to be agents of love and justice in the world.  We will also unpack terms like white privilege, personal decolonization, micro aggressions, and positive racial development.

 

Our gathering will be based on a few understandings.  If you do not share these understanding this class will likely be frustrated or disappointing to you: 

 

• Oppressed people know more about oppression and the way dominant culture works than people who benefit from oppressive systems.

 

• Many privileged people have been taught to ignore the specific ways they benefit from oppressive systems and to think about oppression in abstract ways.

 

• It is the rare person who is 100% privileged or 100% oppressed. All people have joy and pain in their lives.

 

The suggested donation is $60 

 

We want to ensure that cost does not keep anyone from joining us. Therefore, we ask that each person donates generously and in proportion to your resources. Paying more, if you are able, allows others to attend by increasing the availability of scholarships. We find it works well – each person gives what they are able to give (including zero, as needed) and it all works out. Our priority is for people to attend and commit to all or most of the sessions. For questions contact Laila Ibrahim at LDIbrahim@gmail.com. To register apply at this link.