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Sharon Grimes, W A M M
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Consider a relay race recently run by two teams. Each team had an equal number of people and each team member had to go as quickly as possible from one point to another and back carrying a spoonful of peppercorns without spilling any. Here the similarities ended.
Team A had a straight course with no obstacles and a big spoon. Team members were told they are smart and capable, and that they should support each other and give each other positive feedback.
Team Z had to navigate a crooked, narrow course without stepping out of bounds or tripping on obstacles. They had a little spoon to hold the peppercorns. They were told that they would not do well, they are losers, and they were not allowed to speak to one another or offer support.
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Women of the WAMM Intercultural Action for Peace and Justice Harambee Circle gathered for a quarterly dialogue on issues of peace, justice, and well-being. The group of over 40 women discussed issues including children’s education, the impact of racism, and vehicles for communication. The group determined that a Web site providing information about peace and justice issues and other issues impacting African American women, from an Afrocentric perspective, along with a bimonthly email alert would be helpful. The first email alert, entitled “The Good Gossip Network,” went out the first week in April, 2004. The Web site is scheduled to go live the week of April 26. The group also has a book club that will begin meeting May 1. For more about the Harambee Circle, please contact the WAMM office.
–Photo by Paulette Sankofa |
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Although it was a game, it graphically illustrated the advantages of white privilege. And one striking point emerged: None of the participants questioned the fairness of the rules or tried to challenge them.
Members of the White Toolbox Circle, who began meeting in March, played the game. The circle is one of several that are part of WAMM’s Intercultural Action for Peace and Justice initiative. The White Toolbox Circle was started because several people who attended the September 2003 WAMM Antiracism Retreat said they wanted tools to do better antiracism work.
The circle, facilitated by Erika Thorne, will use the book Learning to be White as a resource and a meeting format developed by the European Descent/Dissent Groups. Meetings include cultural sharing, where one person relates something about her or his culture. That may include sharing food, playing music, or telling a story.
White Toolbox aims to provide training for more effective cross-racial interactions and coalitions; balance analysis, action, discussion, learning, cultural sharing, and feelings; build a supportive atmosphere so we don’t shy away from difficult questions and conversations; help participants be successful allies to each other and people of color; be lively and participatory; and include evaluation so the process reflects the needs of the group.
Meetings include an accountability check-in, in which each person may answer questions like the following: What have I done to challenge other whites in dealing with racism? What was the response? What have I done to become an ally to people of color? What was the response? If I haven’t done much, what prevented me? What do I need?
The group will meet through June, when all of the WAMM circles will get together for a celebratory event, and then take the summer off. Meetings will resume in September, and additional participants are welcome to join.
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Activist Resources
Coming soon: WAMM member directory!
Women Against Military Madness is compiling a member directory that will be available to WAMM activists only. This will enhance our ability to network and organize, which is necessary to carry out the vital work of WAMM.
If you would like to be listed in the directory, please contact the WAMM office at 612-827-5364 or email us. Leave us your name and the telephone number and/or e-mail address that you would like included in the directory.
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© 2004 Women Against Military Madness. All rights reserved.
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Complete May 2004 Index - click here
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