Am I Racist?/Keeping it Real/American Experience
Denver Public Library, Colo.
Innovation Synopsis
The series was created by Rebekah Henderson and the late Dr. Gregory Diggs. They facilitated uncomfortable conversations about race with a focus on helping people facilitate their own uncomfortable conversations. These programs all are centered around the theme of bringing people together, not in a safe space, but a brave space.
Challenge/Opportunity
Many people do not understand that when talking about race and white supremacy we are mainly focused on the systems and structures. It is challenging because the dominant culture has a hard time engaging conversations because they feel uncomfortable and persecuted. Our work is about pushing beyond polite conversations, knowing and using the words, pushing people to think outside of their experience and to question what has been taught and internalized.
Key Elements of Innovation
- Bring people together to discuss race and equity face to face.
- Facilitating discussions that engage the group and bring people together.
- Accepting the idea that there will not be resolution, following one conversation or ten conversations.
- Talking to each other and also listening in order to foster empathy and growth.
Achieved Outcomes
The late Dr. Diggs believed and Rebekah Henderson believes that we can’t truly evaluate achievement or impact by dominant culture standards. Dominant culture norms require outcomes and achievements; these programs are about the experience in the moment. We have received positive and negative feedback from participants. The positives outweigh the negatives and even though Dr. Diggs passed away, librarian Rebekah Henderson continues to host programs that address race and equity, with other community partners.