TRJ Takes a Follow Up Look at What it Means To Be an Ally

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Toward Racial Justice digs deeper into how to be an ally for marginalized communities, Thursday, April 1 at 7pm on WITF’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

One of our most engaging conversation topics of 2020 returns to further examine what it means to be an ally and why it is more important than ever for us to work together in the fight against racism.

Becoming intolerant of intolerance is critical in combatting racism, however, learning what allyship looks like can be challenging. Understanding the definition of racism, privilege and intersectionality is imperative to initiating a change. Having the awareness of personal implicit biases and figuring out how we all participate in oppressive systems is key in how to become a better ally.

During this conversation, we’ll learn new ways to listen, respect and provide our communities support and courage as we all work to end oppression and make our society a more equal place.

Panelists include:

Sharon England — Ally, Licensed Attorney & Social Worker ​

Joseph Robinson — President of the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Institute in Harrisburg

Misha Viets van Dyk — Showing Up for Racial Justice, National Chapter Network Organizer, View their bio

“We need to counter white supremacy and racial capitalism by building powerful multiracial movements on a large scale. When we mobilize our people in ways that are accountable to the Black, Indigenous, People of Color leaders of the movement, we are on the path to collective liberation.”

Rev. William Lamar — Senior Pastor, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., View his bio

A. Hirotoshi Nishikawa, Ph.D. — Japanese Internment Camp Survivor, Board Member Japanese American Citizens League Philadelphia Chapter, View his bio

 

Register on Eventbrite

Thursday, April 1 at 7pm Streamed LIVE on WITF’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page

Our goal is to elevate underrepresented voices with special emphasis on giving young people a platform to discuss their views. Race and racism are uncomfortable topics. Our objective is to help serve as a catalyst for change by bringing people together to discuss possible solutions and inspire collective action.

The committee of co-organizers include:

• Jankail Adams — Parent Liaison for the PA State GEAR UP-3 program, Harrisburg School District
• Sharia Benn — President & Executive Artistic Director of Sankofa African American Theatre Company
• Corey Dupree — Chief Operating Officer at The Bridge: Eco Village in Harrisburg
• Stephanie A. Jirard — Chief Diversity Officer & Professor of Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University
• Mark Rhodes — Diversity Educator and Strategist, Owner of Key Learning Consultants and a Commissioner with the City of York Human Relations Commission
• Delma Rivera-Lytle — Diversity Education Specialist at Central York School District
• Major Kristal M. Turner-Childs — Director, Bureau of Forensic Services, Pennsylvania State Police & WITF Board Member

The entire conversation will be live streamed and recorded so those unable to attend can watch, listen and share. Visit witf.org/racialjustice to watch past conversations and find additional resources.