Some scholars argue that racism and discrimination should be defined exclusively as behavioral problems that can be resolved by erecting goals, policies, and practices that directly redress the behavior that results in negative outcomes for people of color. The pathway for racial healing in Dallas, as well as the nation, is to jettison the belief in a hierarchy of human value, the acceptance of superiority based on race, physical characteristics or place of origin that for centuries has fueled racism and conscious and unconscious bias throughout American culture. The healing circles raise awareness and empathy among those who participate. At times, these experiences are transformational for participants as they gain insight into their common humanity and conscious and unconscious biases are revealed. The goal is to have multiple Dallas communities committed to truth-telling and deep sharing that builds trust, and a more constructive environment to increase equity and fairness while narrowing our divides. The process enhances the ability of individuals to appreciate the perspectives of others.Īt the workshops, Dallas leaders learned to convene healing circles and lead the process that can inspire participants to share truthfully, and from the heart. The circles help a diverse group realize that there are always more factors that unite neighbors and communities than divide them, and the interactions are a platform for discovering, respecting and honoring the unique experiences of each participant. Healing circles, which are a major component of the #RxRacialHealing movement, allow individuals to come together and share their truths, history, and stories. Many white participants wanted to be more than mere allies in the racial healing process, they were proud to be considered as equal partners, standing side-by-side with their brothers and sisters. The voices we heard were determined to find a path forward, an eagerness to deescalate stress and tension with neighbors and create lasting change. 12 shooting in Fort Worth underscored the need for racial healing and the perils that people of color face in a society where their race or ethnicity can elicit fear and antagonism from law enforcement, a scenario that too often results in the senseless death of an innocent person.Īs a facilitator for the workshops, I found more than raging anger from yet another police shooting. 14 -16, the workshops had been scheduled long in advance. Sponsored by the Embrey Family Foundation Oct. Participants were taught methods that can increase capacity for empathy and understanding during “healing circles,” gatherings that create environments where sincere, truthful engagements connect neighbors regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference. Just days after Atatiana Jefferson was shot in her home by a white police officer, a diverse group of civic and community leaders convened for two days of workshops on facilitating racial healing in their communities.
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Most members of the community will only know Atatiana Jefferson through the warm smile shown with her nephew shared with the media by her family.