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There are 30 seats per learning series. If you can commit to attending all four sessions, please register below. Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward is a learning series of four two-hour sessions with the goal of assisting individuals to eradicate racism. Join us Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 12pm EDT (UTC-4) for our first of four two-hour learning sessions. Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward What are the goals of the learning series? Participants have the opportunity for dialogue about the complexity of racism in a safe learning environment with other concerned people. Participants understand the Center’s approach to eradicating racism. Participants become part of the Center’s Finding Your Voice Program. ​What should a participant expect? The Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series with a suggested donation of $100*. Estimated time commitment for the entire series including the readings and videos (pre-work for each session) is approximately 16 hours. The learning series provides an introduction to the Dock C. Bracy Center’s understanding and approach to eradicating racism. Sessions include videos, articles, small group discussions and short presentations designed with adult learning concepts. Participants are expected to attend all four 2-hour sessions, one evening weekly for four consecutive weeks. Each session includes an introduction packet, to be completed in advance of the session, which provides participants a common experience to enhance small group discussions and complements the Center’s presentations. Following completion of the learning series participants will have the opportunity to continue their learning through the Finding Your Voice Program. We ask participants to commit to all four sessions: Session 1: The Complexity of Systemic Racism, Thursday, September 7, 2023, 12-2pm EDT (UTC-4) Session 2: The Notion of White Privilege, Thursday, September 14, 2023, 12-2pm EDT (UTC-4) Session 3: The Personal Impact of Racism, Thursday, September 21, 2023, 12-2pm EDT (UTC-4) Session 4: Finding Your Voice, Thursday, September 28, 2023, 12-2pm EDT (UTC-4) Registration closes Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 12pm EDT (UTC-4). For questions or feedback, contact the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation. PLEASE NOTE: You need only to register for the Thursday, September 7, 2023 session – the first of four sessions. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eradicating-racism-a-path-forward-tickets-468736442317 * We hope that you will consider making a donation of $100 to help cover the costs of the 4-session learning series. If this creates financial hardship, feel free to donate an amount that is appropriate for you — no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Likewise, if you’d like to donate a bit more to help cover the cost of another participant, we would be very grateful! __ I am donating the suggested amount of $100 __ I cannot donate $100, but would like to donate ___ to help cover costs. __ I am making an additional donation of ___ to help cover costs for others. #dcbcenter #racism #series #socialjustice #white_privilege #racism_and_mental_health #racism_awareness #race_discussion #racism_discussion #learning_series #eradicating_racism #antiracism

Please purchase and read/listen to “Why We Can’t Wait” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation's Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. In 1963 Dr. King wrote that ‘Freedom had a dull ring’ and in his letter from a Birmingham jail (in the book), he expressed his deep disappointment in the apathy and gradualism of so many. In order to more fully know what moves today’s drive for equality, it is imperative to understand the depth of thought and courage that fueled Dr. King. When he spoke of the ‘the fierce urgency of now’ and ‘freedom too long delayed is freedom denied, he was saying it is always the right time to do right.’ Why We Can’t Wait continues to be fuel for today’s re-ignited passion. – Ken, Reading for Understanding Workgroup “In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, was perhaps the most racially segregated city in the United States. The campaign launched by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement on the segregated streets of Birmingham demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action.” Source: https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9780807001127 Purchase the book from Mahogany Books, Washington, D.C.. Each month we are celebrating a black-owned bookstore. Please consider supporting Mahogany Books, Washington, D.C., https://www.mahoganybooks.com Purchase: https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9780807001127 Please purchase and read/listen to “Why We Can’t Wait” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). Reading for Understanding Monthly virtual book discussions hosted by the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation As a learning organization, the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation seeks to provide opportunities to promote understanding and empathy. Book discussions provide participants with a shared experience and an opportunity to engage with others. The Center’s Reading for Understanding monthly book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. What should a participant expect? Participants should expect an email with a read-ahead presentation and a one question quiz to access the meeting credentials preceding the event. All book discussions are two hours and use Zoom breakout rooms to create small virtual discussion groups. We start together as a large group (7-7:10pm), briefly return to a large group at the half-way point (7:50-8pm) and conclude as a large group (8:40-9pm). Virtual doors open at 6:45pm, unless otherwise noted. All times are Eastern United States. Support black-owned bookstores. Where and how you choose to spend money has power. Visit https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php to find a store in your area or shop directly from https://aalbc.com. “African American Literature Book Club, AALBC.com is the oldest, largest, and most frequently visited web site dedicated to books by, or about, people of African descent. Started in 1997, AALBC.com is a widely recognized source of information about Black authors.” Source: AALBC.com Participants are encouraged to continue learning through the Center’s Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series and join our Finding Your Voice Program.

Friend, Over the past three years, I have been honored to volunteer my time to help build a nonprofit organization with a stated mission of eradicating racism and other forms of oppression. I know that sounds utopian, unrealistic, and possibly unreachable. However, I believe, if we don’t try to move in the right direction, we will remain exactly where we are today. Where I am now is not where I started. I’ve been learning, reflecting, teaching, facilitating, and creating. I’ve been using all my personal and professional knowledge to help build an organization that offers programming to anyone who has time, internet access and motivation. If you’re reading this, I’ve learned from you. I’m asking for your financial help. We have plans to grow, adapt, and continue to offer public events, programs, and resources, while creating a community of connected learners, passionate for change. We may not see an end to racism or any other forms of oppression in my lifetime, but if we don’t try, things will remain the same. Your donation to the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation will enable: Expansion of Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series Creation of Conversations with Paul videos and Dock’s Corner Let’s Talk Series expert speakers Training people to lead eradicating racism programs Increase collaboration with other organizations Marketing campaigns to grow awareness Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions There are 8 more days of our fundraising drive and we are at 20.1% of our goal. If everyone who reads this donates $10, we will reach our goal. Please donate today. Venmo: https://venmo.com/dcbcenter PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=J4RNUU73SN6WG Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/aEUeXq8gZdKO95mcMN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1259422114713599 Checks may be mailed to: Dock C. Bracy Center Inc. P.O. Box 271 Bridgewater, MA 02324 Sincerely, Randee Randee Wilding, Chief Operating Officer Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation Website: http://www.dcbcenter.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcbcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dockcbracycenter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcbcenter LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/dcbcenter TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@dcbcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWo3ofiX7CdQDzHUsn3N2Q PS: If you are unable to donate, please share this with your friends and family.

We have 13 days remaining in our fundraising drive and have raised 9.6% of our goal. We need your help. Dock C. Bracy Center Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3). If you are on social media and would like us to help fundraise for the coming year, please cut, paste and share the following post: ------ Be part of eradicating racism and other forms of human oppression. Your donation to the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation will enable: ✔︎ Expansion of Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series ✔︎ Creation of Conversations with Paul videos and Dock’s Corner ✔︎ Let’s Talk Series expert speakers ✔︎ Training people to lead eradicating racism programs ✔︎ Increase collaboration with other organizations ✔︎ Marketing campaigns to grow awareness ✔︎ Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions Please donate today. Venmo: https://venmo.com/dcbcenter PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=J4RNUU73SN6WG Stripe: https://donate.stripe.com/aEUeXq8gZdKO95mcMN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1259422114713599 Checks may be mailed to: Dock C. Bracy Center Inc. P.O. Box 271 Bridgewater, MA 02324 #Nonprofit #Fundraising #Charity #GiveBack ------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2023 Bridgewater, MA – The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation began its 2023 fundraising drive on September 1, 2023. “September is our bucket-filling month. We spend the entire year focused on planning events and developing resources. In September, we take a moment to reflect and regroup.” – Randee Wilding, Chief Operating Officer When 2023 closes, the Dock C. Bracy Center will have facilitated four Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series; twelve Reading for Understanding virtual book discussions and ongoing Finding Your Voice Program meetings. This year, we launched our quarterly Let’s Talk Series as outreach, public education and the creation of resources. Currently, 70 people have signed our Anti-Racism Pro-Human Reconciliation Pledge and there are 258 website subscribers. Our website has received over eight thousand views and we have expanded our social media presence. We began delivering our Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series in 2020 and we seek to support individuals who want to eradicate racism in their communities, and our efforts are growing. We want to share with you the exciting initiatives we are planning to launch in 2024 and are asking for your financial support: Expanded Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series offering Creation of Conversations with Paul videos and Dock’s Corner Continued Let’s Talk Series expert speakers Launch of Train the Trainer program Increase collaboration with other organizations Growing Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions “Though we believe that people should not have to pay to gain the knowledge and skills needed to eradicate racism and other forms of human oppression, the reality is there are costs incurred to deliver our services. We do all we can to minimize our cost; currently no paid staff, everyone volunteers their time and expertise. Your kind donations in the past have allowed us to come this far in supporting you and others.” – Paul S. Bracy, Founder and President There is much more to do. Please consider doing one or more of the following to support the Center’s work: Buy us a coffee, $5 Buy us a book to raffle for the Reading for Understanding book discussions, $15 Buy a sweatshirt or cup for raffling, $30 Help buy a licensed resource for use in the Finding Your Voice Program, $75 Pay it forward for a person to attend the Eradicating Racism learning series, $100 Help sustain our organization by making ongoing monthly donations While supplies last, those who donate $75 or more will receive a Center mug at the address provided. The beauty of a learning organization such as ours is that we continue to learn from our participants and revise and increase our offerings accordingly in support of you. With your financial support, we will continue to do this for years to come until we achieve our shared vision. “The United States of America is a country where all children are valued and have equal access to health, happiness, education, personal freedom, and economic security. All institutions conduct their business in a manner to ensure the human rights of every child.“ Online #donations may be made at: #Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donate/1259422114713599/ OR #PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=J4RNUU73SN6WG OR #Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/aEUeXq8gZdKO95mcMN Checks may be mailed to: Dock C. Bracy Center Inc. P.O. Box 271 Bridgewater, MA 02324 About the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation is committed to human reconciliation and the eradication of racism and other forms of human oppression. Our work focuses on healing the internal emotional and cognitive harms that have allowed racism to continue to thrive in our society. We support the efforts of many other groups and individuals by providing opportunities for learning and self-reflection so that strategies to eradicate racism can become more successful. Additional information about the Center can be found by visiting the website and by following @dcbcenter. Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation Website: http://www.dcbcenter.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcbcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dockcbracycenter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcbcenter LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/dcbcenter TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@dcbcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWo3ofiX7CdQDzHUsn3N2Q ###

Friend, we have been doing the work in 2023. When 2023 closes, the Dock C. Bracy Center will have facilitated four Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series; twelve Reading for Understanding virtual book discussions and ongoing Finding Your Voice Program meetings. This year, we launched our quarterly Let’s Talk Series as outreach, public education and the creation of resources. Currently, 70 people have signed our Anti-Racism Pro-Human Reconciliation Pledge and there are 258 website subscribers. Our website has received over eight thousand views and we have expanded our social media presence. We began delivering our Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series in 2020 and we seek to support individuals who want to eradicate racism in their communities, and our efforts are growing. We want to share with you the exciting initiatives we are planning to launch in 2024 and are asking for your financial support: Expanded Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series offering Creation of Conversations with Paul videos and Dock’s Corner Continued Let’s Talk Series expert speakers Launch of Train the Trainer program Increase collaboration with other organizations Growing Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions Though we believe that people should not have to pay to gain the knowledge and skills needed to eradicate racism and other forms of human oppression, the reality is there are costs incurred to deliver our services. We do all we can to minimize our cost; currently no paid staff everyone volunteers their time and expertise. Your kind donations in the past have allowed us to come this far in supporting you and others. There is much more to do. Please consider doing one or more of the following to support the Center’s work: Buy us a coffee, $5 Buy us a book to raffle for the Reading for Understanding book discussions, $15 Buy a sweatshirt or cup for raffling, $30 Help buy a licensed resource for use in the Finding Your Voice Program, $75 Pay it forward for a person to attend the Eradicating Racism learning series, $100 Help sustain our organization by making ongoing monthly donations While supplies last, those who donate $75 or more will receive a Center mug at the address provided. The beauty of a learning organization such as ours is that we continue to learn from our participants and revise and increase our offerings accordingly in support of you. With your financial support, we will continue to do this for years to come until we achieve our shared vision. “The United States of America is a country where all children are valued and have equal access to health, happiness, education, personal freedom, and economic security. All institutions conduct their business in a manner to ensure the human rights of every child.“ Online #donations may be made at: #Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donate/1259422114713599/ OR #PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=J4RNUU73SN6WG OR #Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/aEUeXq8gZdKO95mcMN Checks may be mailed to: Dock C. Bracy Center Inc. P.O. Box 271 Bridgewater, MA 02324 In Peace, Paul S. Bracy Founder and President Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation Website: http://www.dcbcenter.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcbcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dockcbracycenter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcbcenter LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/dcbcenter TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@dcbcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWo3ofiX7CdQDzHUsn3N2Q

Please purchase and read/listen to “Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present” by Harriet A. Washington before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation's Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. “From the era of slavery to the present day, starting with the earliest encounters between Black Americans and Western medical researchers and the racist pseudoscience that resulted, Medical Apartheid details the ways both slaves and freedmen were used in hospitals for experiments conducted without their knowledge--a tradition that continues today within some black populations.” Source: https://darebooks.com/product/medical-apartheid/ Purchase the book from Dare Books, Longwood, Florida. Each month we are celebrating a black-owned bookstore. Please consider supporting Dare Books, Longwood, Florida, https://darebooks.com Purchase: https://darebooks.com/product/medical-apartheid/ Please purchase and read/listen to “Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present” by Harriet A. Washington before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). Reading for Understanding Monthly virtual book discussions hosted by the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation As a learning organization, the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation seeks to provide opportunities to promote understanding and empathy. Book discussions provide participants with a shared experience and an opportunity to engage with others. The Center’s Reading for Understanding monthly book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. What should a participant expect? Participants should expect an email with a read-ahead presentation and a one question quiz to access the meeting credentials preceding the event. All book discussions are two hours and use Zoom breakout rooms to create small virtual discussion groups. We start together as a large group (7-7:10pm), briefly return to a large group at the half-way point (7:50-8pm) and conclude as a large group (8:40-9pm). Virtual doors open at 6:45pm, unless otherwise noted. All times are Eastern United States. Support black-owned bookstores. Where and how you choose to spend money has power. Visit https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php to find a store in your area or shop directly from https://aalbc.com. “African American Literature Book Club, AALBC.com is the oldest, largest, and most frequently visited web site dedicated to books by, or about, people of African descent. Started in 1997, AALBC.com is a widely recognized source of information about Black authors.” Source: AALBC.com Participants are encouraged to continue learning through the Center’s Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series and join our Finding Your Voice Program.

Please purchase and read/listen to “Not a Nation of Immigrants: Settler Colonialism, White Supremacy, and a History of Erasure and Exclusion” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation's Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. What is the meaning of “we are a nation of immigrants”? This book critically dispels the innocence behind that statement. Dunbar-Ortiz helps us to understand how that statement is dishonest and harmful to people living in America. – Alicia and Sabrina, Reading for Understanding Workgroup “Whether in political debates or discussions about immigration around the kitchen table, many Americans, regardless of party affiliation, will say proudly that we are a nation of immigrants. In this bold new book, historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz asserts this ideology is harmful and dishonest because it serves to mask and diminish the US's history of settler colonialism, genocide, white supremacy, slavery, and structural inequality, all of which we still grapple with today.” Source: https://rep.club/products/not-a-nation-of-immigrants?_pos=1&_sid=94fc50c7a&_ss=r Purchase the book from Reparations Club, Los Angeles, California. Each month we are celebrating a black-owned bookstore. Please consider supporting Reparations Club, Los Angeles, California, https://rep.club Purchase: https://rep.club/products/not-a-nation-of-immigrants?_pos=1&_sid=94fc50c7a&_ss=r Please purchase and read/listen to “Not a Nation of Immigrants: Settler Colonialism, White Supremacy, and a History of Erasure and Exclusion” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). Reading for Understanding Monthly virtual book discussions hosted by the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation As a learning organization, the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation seeks to provide opportunities to promote understanding and empathy. Book discussions provide participants with a shared experience and an opportunity to engage with others. The Center’s Reading for Understanding monthly book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. What should a participant expect? Participants should expect an email with a read-ahead presentation and a one question quiz to access the meeting credentials preceding the event. All book discussions are two hours and use Zoom breakout rooms to create small virtual discussion groups. We start together as a large group (7-7:10pm), briefly return to a large group at the half-way point (7:50-8pm) and conclude as a large group (8:40-9pm). Virtual doors open at 6:45pm, unless otherwise noted. All times are Eastern United States. Support black-owned bookstores. Where and how you choose to spend money has power. Visit https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php to find a store in your area or shop directly from https://aalbc.com. “African American Literature Book Club, AALBC.com is the oldest, largest, and most frequently visited web site dedicated to books by, or about, people of African descent. Started in 1997, AALBC.com is a widely recognized source of information about Black authors.” Source: AALBC.com Participants are encouraged to continue learning through the Center’s Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series and join our Finding Your Voice Program.

Let's Talk Series by Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 7-9 p.m. EDT, our panelists shared what they're doing, why it's rewarding, what they've learned and what tips they have for you. Please consider making a donation to: Oakland Mills Online (OMO): https://www.oaklandmillsonline.com/how-to-help.html Columbia Community Care: https://donorbox.org/columbia-community-care-donations Beyond Rhetoric: https://beyondrhetoric.org/donate Panelists Amy Brooks, Cofounder, Oakland Mills Online (OMO) Erika Strauss Chavarria, Founder, Columbia Community Care (CCC) Troy Spencer Grant, PhD, Founder & President, Beyond Rhetoric Amanda Lay, Project S.T.I.R. Facilitator, People on the Go Maryland Cleonie Maineville, Founder, Diversity & Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE) Yolanda F. Sonnier, Administrator, Howard County Maryland, Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE) Use "Community Organizing Strategies" https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11fOYjL2gXfv5QRsZ1dCBfc43SmeSFJwn/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114532528621045084838&rtpof=true&sd=true What are you reading? Troy The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-short-and-tragic-life-of-robert-peace-a-brilliant-young-man-who-left-newark-for-the-ivy-league-jeff-hobbs/586323?ean=9781476731919 Amy A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-renaissance-of-our-own-a-memoir-manifesto-on-reimagining-rachel-elizabeth-cargle/17985584?ean=9780593134733 Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist https://bookshop.org/p/books/madame-restell-the-life-death-and-resurrection-of-old-new-york-s-most-fabulous-fearless-and-infamous-abortionist-jennifer-wright/18545682?ean=9780306826795 Amanda The Working Poor: Invisible in America https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-working-poor-invisible-in-america-david-k-shipler/8509527?ean=9780375708213 Yolanda The Little Black Boy https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-little-black-boy-jonathan-a-mckinney/20099230?ean=9781947741782 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-universal-declaration-of-human-rights-united-nations/13098487?ean=9780648531500 Modern-Day Strategies for Community Engagement: How to Effectively Build Bridges Between People and the Bottom Line https://bookshop.org/p/books/modern-day-strategies-for-community-engagement-how-to-effectively-build-bridges-between-people-and-the-bottom-line-makara-rumley/14126997?ean=9781644841303 Erika White paper Dismantling the Pre-School to Prison Pipeline Through Black Literacy and Education for Transformation https://www.wayfinder.foundation/resources For future Let's Talk Series events, please subscribe to our email list at: https://www.dcbcenter.org/subscribe.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4) How are you engaged with your community? Community engagement is a continuum that takes many forms. From organizing a neighborhood trash pick-up to founding a nonprofit organization. Our panel reflects the different ways you can engage with your community. Find out what they're doing, why it's rewarding, what they've learned and what tips they have for you. Whoever and wherever you are, you have the ability to use your skills and passion in service to your community. Panelists Amy Brooks, Cofounder, Oakland Mills Online (OMO) Erika Strauss Chavarria, Founder, Columbia Community Care (CCC) Troy Spencer Grant, PhD, Founder & President, Beyond Rhetoric Amanda Lay, Project S.T.I.R. Facilitator, People on the Go Maryland Cleonie Maineville, Founder, Diversity & Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE) David Smith, Lead Community Engagement Coordinator, University of Maryland, Office of Community Engagement Yolanda F. Sonnier, Administrator, Howard County Maryland, Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE) Please join us via Zoom on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4), for Let's Talk Series: Community Engagement – Activism, Organizing and What's In-between. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-series-community-engagement-tickets-633436053287?aff=website About Before the Event All registered participants will have access to a brief pre-event survey that allows questions to be submitted to our panelists. During the Event This is a webinar style event. All registered participants will have the opportunity to submit questions to our panelists. Questions will be screened and asked, given the time allowed. After the Event All registered participants will receive a post-event email including a survey and additional resources. A recording of the event will be publicly available on the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation website, in the days following our event. Please join us via Zoom on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4), for Let's Talk Series: Community Engagement – Activism, Organizing and What's In-between. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-series-community-engagement-tickets-633436053287?aff=website Panelists Amy Brooks Amy Brooks has been a public high school teacher in Baltimore City and Howard County for over 20 years. She co-founded Oakland Mills Online (OMO), a non-profit community education platform, when school buildings closed due to the pandemic. For over 3 years she has continued to encourage people of all ages to learn, grow, and lead through a variety of online and in-person offerings. OMO Website: https://www.oaklandmillsonline.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oaklandmillsonline/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMonline/ Erika Strauss Chavarria Erika Strauss Chavarria is the Founder and Executive Director of Columbia Community Care, a nonprofit in Howard County, Maryland. Erika is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She obtained a BS in Political Science and Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in International Law and Human Rights from the United Nation University for Peace in Costa Rica. After receiving her Master’s in Teaching from Towson University in 2010, Erika returned to her alma mater, Wilde Lake High School, to teach Spanish. An advocate for racial and social justice, she became a practitioner and trainer of Restorative Justice in an effort to end the School-to-Prison Pipeline. Erika has presented across the country on topics related to racial justice in education, anti-racism, and Restorative Justice, and has served on numerous policy committees to ensure equity and anti-racism efforts in education. She has testified on the county, state, and national level for legislation regarding immigrant justice and whistleblower protections for educators. Erika has successfully pushed for legislation at the National Education Association (NEA) to support reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans, endorsement of the Black Lives Matter at School Movement, environmental justice for students and communities in Flint, Michigan facing the lead water crisis, and a grievance process for educators facing racism and discrimination. Erika also served on the NEA Task Force for School Discipline and School to Prison Pipeline in 2016 and then on the NEA Equitable and Just Schools Task Force in 2022, which created policies condemning zero tolerance and over policing in schools and advocating for equitable and just educational practices and policies. Erika is a Board Member of the organizations Racial Justice NOW! and the Anti-Racist Education Alliance. She also served as a National Education Association Director representing Maryland and a Director for the Maryland State Education Association from 2017-2022. In March of 2020, Erika founded Columbia Community Care, an organization that has provided hundreds of thousands of people in her community with groceries and supplies during the pandemic, and provides programming around Liberation Education, Health & Healing, Purpose Pathways, and Essential Resources. Columbia Community Care has won Best of Howard County Volunteer Organization in 2020, 2021, and 2022, as well as the 2022 Howard County Rise to The Challenge Award. Erika is the recipient of the 2020 Howard County Human Rights Commission Human Rights Award, Baltimore Sun’s 25 Women to Watch 2020, Daily Record 2023 Top 100 Women, and The Baltimore Banners Emerging Leaders 2023. Columbia Community Care Website: https://columbiacommunitycare.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mutualaidCCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbiacommunitycare/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807588256400584/ Troy Spencer Grant, PhD Troy Spencer Grant, Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, received a BA in History (magna cum laude) from the City University of New York (CUNY), a MA in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His dissertation focused on subjugated and dominant Discourse(s) in the "reform" narrative. A NBCT in his twentieth year of teaching,Troy first taught in the Baltimore City Public School System, and now with the Prince George's County Public School System. Besides teaching full-time, he is an adjunct professor at Howard Community College (Fall '22), teaching Intro to Criminal Justice. To get a sense of Troy Spencer Grant, read this New York Times interview when he was a second-year teacher, listen to his Storycorps Interview with his former student, or listen to his most recent interview with Les Raymond from the Mindful Movement. Troy was on probation before he was a teenager. Beyond Rhetoric Website: https://beyondrhetoric.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/beyondrhetoric2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobeyondrhetoric/ Amanda Lay Amanda Lay is a disability rights and full inclusion activist. She is a support broker for people with disabilities on the Maryland self direction waiver and facilitates training in self advocacy in PROJECT S.T.I.R.: Steps Towards Independence and Responsibility. She recently completed 10 years of service on the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council where she advocated for the full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout Maryland. She has been an active member in Toastmasters International for 21 years. Amanda graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Communications. She lives in Rockville, Maryland with her parents and is an Aunt to five nephews and three nieces. Community Engagement is essential and she is honored to participate on the panel. People On The Go of Maryland Website: https://www.pogmd.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeopleOnTheGoMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pogmd Cleonie Maineville Cleonie Mainvielle is the Owner and Founder of Inspired Outcome, a consulting business that focuses on time management, productivity, and equity. She is also the Founder of a nonprofit called Diversity & Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE). DICE is a network of individuals committed to advocating for systemic solutions where 100% of education and government decisions are made through an equity lens. As an immigrant from Jamaica, she migrated to New York and became the first in her family to earn a college degree. After receiving her master's, she was nominated and appointed as a Presidential Management Fellows with the Federal Government. At the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), she worked with nonprofits and local governments to end and prevent homelessness throughout New England for 17 years until she resigned in 2018 to be a full-time entrepreneur. In 2019, Cleonie Mainvielle served as foreperson on the retrial of a Black man who had spent 32 years in prison for a murder that an all white jury had wrongfully convicted him of. This experience solidified her commitment to advocating for systemic solutions that promote diversity, inclusion, equity, anti-racism, empathy, and compassion in institutional systems. As a result, she returned to the Federal Government as an Independent contractor to support local and national communities in improving housing outcomes and the human experience for Black, Brown, Indigenous, and all people of color. Specifically, she provides consultation to communities that are committed to confronting structural racism and racial inequities in their homeless response systems. In addition to running her business, she also serves as a student mentor for Binghamton University and the University of Pennsylvania, entrepreneurship mentor for EforAll and Social Enterprise Greenhouse, and is an active member of several DEI committees on both the Federal, State and local levels. Cleonie earned her Bachelors' in Psychology from Binghamton University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Diversity & Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE) Website: https://www.dicemassachusetts.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dicemassachusetts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dicemassachusetts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dicemassachusetts/ David Smith David W. Smith Sr. is the Lead Community Engagement Coordinator with the Office of Community Engagement at the University of Maryland. As a native and proud Marylander and Prince Georgian, he is a strong advocate for bringing forth transformational changes through passion, community development, and engagement. In his previous work, David has held positions in Prince George's County Board of Education for Prince George's County Public Schools, as well as with the Prince George's County Office of the County Executive Office of Community Relations. He is the proud father of two sons which has driven his passion for working with youth and families. As a strong advocate for the importance of fatherhood and male involvement, David volunteers as the Vice President of the 100 Fathers, Inc. He is also an active volunteer member of Real Men Teach, an organization that focuses on recruiting, retaining, reimagining, and reinvesting in male educators and male educators of color. Further, David advocates for mental health and wellness through his role as a volunteer advisory board member for Lauryn's Law, an organization that advocates and works with youth and families on mental health and suicide prevention. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with his family and friends, visiting nice restaurants, and listening to live music. David is a people person who enjoys life and living it to the fullest. University of Maryland, Office of Community Engagement Website: https://oce.umd.edu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/umd_oce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umd_oce/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMDCommunityEngagement Yolanda Sonnier Before joining Howard County Government, Yolanda previously practiced law for 21 years and has served as a consultant, trainer and advisor on diversity, equity, inclusion, retention, organizational change and human and civil rights matters. Yolanda served as the Diversity Committee Chair and Vice Chair for the American Bar Association Section of Family Law for 5 years where she created the Diversity Fellowship program to address the lack of diversity, retention and promotion of diverse members. She also led the revision and implementation of the diversity plan for the Section during her tenure. Yolanda also served as the Chair of the Maryland State Bar Association’s (MSBA) Diversity and Inclusion committee, and under her leadership the Association held its 1st Diversity & Inclusion Conference. Yolanda also was instrumental and led in the development, drafting and presentation of the MSBA’s inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan. Yolanda has received several accolades for her professional and community involvement, including being named one of the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women in Maryland. Howard County, Maryland, Office of Human Rights & Equity Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE Twitter: https://twitter.com/HoCoOHRE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HoCoOHRE/ Randee Wilding Randee serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation. Randee is a graphic designer and artist with over 25 years of experience in technology and consulting. He has worked both nationally and internationally on design, marketing and software projects for Fortune 500 companies and government organizations. He received his B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park. Randee is committed to social justice and racial equity. #CommunityEngagement #CommunityBuilding #CommunityOutreach #CommunityDevelopment #CommunityInvolvement #CommunityEmpowerment #CommunityInclusion #CommunityParticipation #CommunityCollaboration #SocialImpact #SocialChange #SocialGood #Nonprofit #NGO #Volunteerism #CivicEngagement

Please purchase and read/listen to “Living While Black: Using Joy, Beauty, and Connection to Heal Racial Trauma” by Guilaine Kinouani before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation's Reading for Understanding monthly virtual book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. I chose this book because it helps the readers fully understand what it means to be black on this planet through a thoughtful exploration of several key topics related to the lives of those that identify as black. Also, I particularly like that this book does highlight positive things that are associated with being black and helps to identify the effects of racial trauma and what it means to heal from it. – Dr. Cherie Crosby, Reading for Understanding Workgroup “Over the past 15 years, radical psychologist Guilaine Kinouani has focused her research, writing, and workshops on how racism affects both physical and mental health. Living While Black gives voice to the diverse, global experiences of Black people, using personal stories, powerful case studies, and eye-opening research to offer expert guidance on how to set boundaries and process micro-aggressions; protect children from racism; handle difficult race-based conversations; navigate the complexities of Black love; and identify and celebrate the wins.” Source: https://www.thedockbookshop.com/book/9780807054581 Purchase the book from The Dock Bookshop, Fort Worth, Texas. Each month we are celebrating a black-owned bookstore. Please consider supporting The Dock Bookshop, Fort Worth, Texas, https://www.thedockbookshop.com Purchase: https://www.thedockbookshop.com/book/9780807054581 Please purchase and read/listen to “Living While Black: Using Joy, Beauty, and Connection to Heal Racial Trauma” by Guilaine Kinouani before our virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4). Reading for Understanding Monthly virtual book discussions hosted by the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation As a learning organization, the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation seeks to provide opportunities to promote understanding and empathy. Book discussions provide participants with a shared experience and an opportunity to engage with others. The Center’s Reading for Understanding monthly book discussions are free and have two requirements: Read the book and make time for the discussion. What should a participant expect? Participants should expect an email with a read-ahead presentation and a one question quiz to access the meeting credentials preceding the event. All book discussions are two hours and use Zoom breakout rooms to create small virtual discussion groups. We start together as a large group (7-7:10pm), briefly return to a large group at the half-way point (7:50-8pm) and conclude as a large group (8:40-9pm). Virtual doors open at 6:45pm, unless otherwise noted. All times are Eastern United States. Support black-owned bookstores. Where and how you choose to spend money has power. Visit https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php to find a store in your area or shop directly from https://aalbc.com. “African American Literature Book Club, AALBC.com is the oldest, largest, and most frequently visited web site dedicated to books by, or about, people of African descent. Started in 1997, AALBC.com is a widely recognized source of information about Black authors.” Source: AALBC.com Participants are encouraged to continue learning through the Center’s Eradicating Racism: A Path Forward learning series and join our Finding Your Voice Program.

Speaker: Dr. Traci Baxley, Author presents Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 20, 2023 Winchester, MA – The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation today announced its final Let’s Talk Series event of 2023. On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4), Dr. Traci Baxley will present Let's Talk Series: Social Justice Parenting. Are you parenting from a place of fear or radical love? Does your parenting style include social justice? Do you see all children as part of a global village? Based on her book, Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate Anti Racist Justice Minded Kids in an Unjust World (Harper Wave, 2021), Dr. Baxley invites all parents to join her in the philosophy and practice of Social Justice Parenting. “As if in conversation with a friend, Dr. Baxley weaves her personal experiences as a mother and Black woman with her career as a professional educator. She calls us to move past parenting from a place of fear and complacency to embrace courage and radical love.” – Randee Wilding, Chief Operating Officer, Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation Dr. Traci Baxley is a professor, consultant, parenting coach, speaker, and mother to five children. She is the creator of Social Justice Parenting™ and the author of Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate Anti Racist Justice Minded Kids in an Unjust World. With over 30 years in education, she specializes in belonging, race identity, anti-bias curriculum, and social justice education. As a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, Dr. Baxley supports organizations and corporations in developing inclusive practices and policies that lead to workplace belonging. “We are honored to have Dr. Baxley join us for our fourth Let’s Talk Series event. The philosophy and practice of Social Justice Parenting aligns with the Center’s shared vision and pledge. The children raised to see value and humanity in everyone will become the adults that transform society.” -- Paul S. Bracy, Founder and President, Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation Before the Event All registered participants will have access to a brief pre-event survey that allows questions to be submitted to our speaker. Although not required to attend this event, we strongly suggest reading Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate Anti Racist Justice Minded Kids in an Unjust World and purchase it from a black-owned bookstore. During the Event This is a webinar style event. All registered participants will have the opportunity to submit questions to our speaker. Questions will be screened and asked, given the time allowed. After the Event All registered participants will receive a post-event email including a survey and additional resources. A recording of the event will be publicly available on the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation website, in the days following our event. Please join us via Zoom on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 7-9pm EDT (UTC-4) for Let's Talk Series: Social Justice Parenting. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-series-social-justice-parenting-tickets-678071017667?aff=pr About Social Justice Parenting Supporting families with intentional parenting today for a more humane world tomorrow. Social Justice Parenting is a philosophy that is rooted in radical love and activism. Dr. Traci Baxley discusses new ideas in parenting for our current social climate that moves families away from fear-based parenting styles. Social Justice Parenting guides parents in raising independent, compassionate and socially conscious children. Social Justice Parenting Website: https://socialjusticeparenting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeparenting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracibaxley About Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation The Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation is committed to human reconciliation and the eradication of racism and other forms of human oppression. Our work focuses on healing the internal emotional and cognitive harms that have allowed racism to continue to thrive in our society. We support the efforts of many other groups and individuals by providing opportunities for learning and self-reflection so that strategies to eradicate racism can become more successful. Additional information about the Center can be found by visiting the website and by following @dcbcenter. Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation Website: http://www.dcbcenter.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcbcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dockcbracycenter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcbcenter LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/dcbcenter TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@dcbcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEWo3ofiX7CdQDzHUsn3N2Q ###