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"When the people of South and East Africa “pull together” to make something happen, they do it with shouts of these words.... “Harambee, Harambee!”
What is Harambee Institute?
Harambee Institute is a bold initiative primarily being designed to address institutionalized/systemic racism. The Institute will serve to disrupt traditional, long-held beliefs and practices that are embedded in the foundations of institutions and self. While mainly focusing on institutions/systems, the institute will also focus on the importance of individuals unlearning racism from a self-perspective to create long-term, authentic changes.
Why is Harambee Institute needed?
The way in which racism manifests itself today has changed. Even though acts of outright racism still happen, much of the racism today is more hidden within individuals and not often shown in diverse gatherings such as work, church, etc. Racist attitudes and beliefs still linger within individuals and can be manifested consciously or unconsciously into unjust behaviors affecting institutional practices, policies, and environments.
What will the Institute do?
The Institute will create opportunities and initiatives to address racism at a systemic and individual level. The Institute will be guided by the belief that the wrongs of racism can be healed in time; institutions and people must accept ownership for undoing the wrongs of racism; and changes must be long-term and demonstrative. Developing initiatives that address systemic racism will be developed and education for individuals will continuously raise awareness of self -issues that prohibit other people from being valued and respected.
What specific programs, trainings, or initiatives will Harambee Institute provide?
Dialogue Groups on Racism – Designed as an entry level for anyone who wants to begin the process of exploring racism and its impact. Small groups of diverse individuals will gather for 6-weeks to dialogue in an environment where people honestly share their experiences and opinions on racism. Groups will start every other month starting in 2008 at the SBC or groups can request their own dialogue group.
Intensive Dialogue Weekends on Racism –Designed for the person who has fully participated in at least one Dialogue Group on Racism and wants to learn how their own behaviors and beliefs are perceived and received by other diverse people. Dialogue weekends are provided monthly and interested participants can register by downloading a registration form at www.scarrittbennett.org.
These weekends will specifically explore issues of white privilege, economic privilege, empowerment for people of color, disrupting the consciousness, power and control dynamics, etc.
National Training Center on Racism - Scarritt-Bennett Center is becoming a national training center on racism in affiliation with StirFry Seminars & Consulting in Berkley California. This program is designed for the very experienced facilitator and/or individuals who have made significant progress on their individual journey around race issues. Potential candidates of this program must apply, be interviewed, be willing to go through a 1-2 year training program, and eventually pass a test to become a certified facilitator on racism. Some training events will be opened to the general public.
Systemic Racism Models – Beginning in 2008, the Institute will intentionally choose one system and related areas of focus to begin work that will impact current racism that exists within that system. This work will not be based on a pre-designed model, but will be developed in accordance with the end results that are trying to be achieved. Every 1-2 years, a new system will be chosen.
What are other amenities will be provided by the Scarritt-Bennett Center to help individuals unlearn racism?
Featured Speakers – Starting in 2008, the Center will host national speakers, authors, and activists to provide lectures about racism and its impact. Check the SBC website for more information.
“The Front Porch” – For those who want to dive into books that will give keen insight into different aspects of racism and learn move about diversity, the Front Porch, a gift shop at the Scarritt-Bennett Center, will have books, art work, and other unique cultural artifacts available for purchase. Call 615.340.7450 for information on hours to the Front Porch located in the Ogburn House.
Cultural Museum – Home to hundreds of cultural artifacts from around the world, the Cultural Museum at the Scarritt-Bennett Center gives viewers a chance to understand diverse cultures from around the world within the context of social tolerance and cooperation. In 2008, the Museum will be moving to a new location on the 3rd floor of Laskey, but until that time, viewers can see a sample of the artifacts and special exhibitors on the 1st floor of Laskey. The Museum is free and open during Center hours.
Guest Services - Nothing is more transformational than taking the time to be silent, meditate, and uncover some truths in yourself around issues like racism. Scarritt-Bennett Center has housing accommodations and meal services available for individuals to take some time in a silent place, free of time and responsibilities. These services can booked at 615.340.7500.
How can I financially contribute to the Harambee Institute?
The Scarritt-Bennett Center’s Director of Development can be reached at 615.340.7543 or beckyw@scarrittbennett.org for any contributions.
The Harambee Institute
PROGRAMS FOR FALL & WINTER 2008
A project of the Scarritt-Bennett Center
Ever wondered why racism is still an issue in America and we can’t get past it? Civil right laws have been passed, integration has come, and equal opportunity seems abundant, but why does racism continue to plague the fabric of America?
These workshops are designed for anyone who is ready to go a step beyond traditional diversity training and really discover how racism shapes our thinking, communities, institutions, and conscious/unconscious behaviors. By understanding what’s at the core of racism, participants can began to unlearn it and dismantle this very real problem in America.
Workshop #1
INTERNALIZED RACISM:
What impact has years of oppression really done
to Black AND White America?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Scarritt-Bennett Center
“Internalized racism is the conscious and unconscious incorporation and acceptance of all the negative stereotypes and images from media, folklore, accounts of history that define persons of color as inferior. Internalized racism supports the notion that White is right, White is superior, and in fact, White is the standard. All of this can lead to a dangerous and self-destructive love affair.” – Gerald Cunningham
Specific areas to be explored include:
- What is Internalized Racism (IR) and Oppression?
- How has it impacted thinking, behavior, and attitudes in
all cultural groups?
- How is IR evident in the same races, different races, cultures, organizations, and institutions?
- How is IR and oppression kept alive in the 21st century?
- What are the benefits to maintaining IR and oppression?
- How to resist IR?
Suggested readings before coming to class: “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” by Dr. Joy Leary. Available in local bookstores.
 Featured Presenter: Dr. Jeff Menzise Ph.D., N.D., C.H.
Dr. Menzise has spent a total of seven years working with the Fisk Race Relations Institute and is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at Fisk University. He has planned global and local conferences highlighting the implications of racism in the world. Dr. Menzise began to develop his practical experience while working with oppressed populations as an empathizer, mentor, healer, and professor. He has worked in several African and Caribbean Nations and has recently completed several chapters in the Encyclopedia of African American Education which will be published this year (2008). He is also the editor of the forthcoming book, The Experience of Blackness, and a series of children’s books, both due for publication in Summer 2009. He is well-known in Nashville for being the creator and on-air host of the hit talk show, “Mind on the Matter,” on WFSK 88.1FM where he discusses issues of critical importance in the community.
Workshop #2
INTERNALIZED SUPREMACY:
“White Privilege – It’s legacy, pathology,
and continuing impact in America”
Saturday, December 13, 2008
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Scarritt-Bennett Center
White Privilege is an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on (as a white person) cashing in each day, but about which, I was “meant” to remain oblivious. I am pretty sure that I can live in a neighborhood where my neighbors will be neutral or pleasant to me. I can turn on the TV and see people of my color (white) depicted in a positive way. I am never asked to speak for all people of my racial group and I can protect my children most of the time from people who may not like them.” - Peggy McIntosh
This workshop will specifically:
- Help participants uncover the underlying issues of race privilege (different from economic privilege) that continue to plague institutions in the U.S.
- Examine how privilege operates at both the material and psychological levels to maintain racial inequity.
- Help participants understand how even persons who are liberal and not overtly racist can manifest privilege in everyday operations, within schools, workplaces, and elsewhere.
- Explore the ways in which white privilege is damaging and destructive, not merely to those without it, but even to those who are white.
- Conclude with a discussion of how whites can become better allies to persons of color, and challenge white privilege, both individually and institutionally.
Suggested readings before coming to class: “White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son,” by Tim Wise.
Available in the Scarritt-Bennett book store.
Featured Presenter: Tim Wise
Tim Wise provides some of the most realistic, prolific answers onthe issue of race. As the author of White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections from an Angry White Male, he is a white man who has taken a personal journey to understand racism and white privilege. He has been called "one of the most brilliant, articulate, and courageous critics of white privilege in the nation," by Georgetown University professor and best-selling author, Michael Eric Dyson. He has spoken in 48 states and at 400 college campuses including Harvard and Yale Law School. He has educated physicians, corporations, teachers, law officials, and many others on how to dismantle racism in their institutions and in their lives.
Cost: $100 per workshop or $175 for both workshops
(Lunch and breaks are included.)
Download Registration Form (pdf)
Download Workshop Brochure (pdf)
Housing: If overnight room accommodations are needed, please contact Scarritt-Bennett Guest Services at 615.340.7500.
For more information, contact 615.340.7450.
What makes people like MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., BARACK OBAMA and GANDHI great? How were they influenced in their early years to make a difference?
Join us as we take a facinating look at the cultural roots, traditions, teachings and philosophies that shaped MLK, Jr. and explore what led him and others like him to greatness.
 PRESENTED BY DR. LEWIS V. BALDWIN
Noted Author, Professor of Religious Studies & Director of African American Studies at Vanderbilt University
DATES: Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 2009
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm each night
ROOM: Kreitner Room (2nd Floor of Laskey)
COST: $40/person; students free with ID & pre-registration
Registration required.
Call 615.340.7540 or download registration form below.
1008 19TH AVENUE SOUTH • NASHVILLE 37212
Download Flier & Registration Form (pdf)
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