Many white people want to heal racism in America. And most people of color agree. But it is impossible to heal America’s painful racist past without the pain and anguish that comes from sitting in the fire. Painful though it may be, healing our racist past (and present) begins when people commit to look directly at America’s long and tortured racial history. Join Somerville Media Center for Sitting in the Fire: A Virtual Race Retreat on Saturday, June 13 on Zoom over two sessions – Part 1 in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and Part 2 in the afternoon from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

As understood in 1964’s Civil Rights Act: “We cannot legislate morality”. No, indeed, we cannot. Rather, each American must look into our own hearts and minds and commit to untangle and pull out by the roots the threads of racism that live inside. We must undergo our own truth and reconciliation. It is through this process that we will begin the healing journey.

SMC Member-Producers and cohosts of Let’s Talk About Race Diane Wong and Pharaoh Saunders invite you to engage in courageous conversations around racial justice and inequity through a modern and historical lens. Go deep in unlearning your own biases and overcome personal roadblocks when it comes to race and racism. Participate in scaffolded role plays where you can practice the hard work of interrupting racism and white supremacy. Learn from experts what it means to truly “sit in the fire: with this hands-on, engaging virtual class. This event is presented by Somerville Media Center and is free of charge by a grant from Somerville Arts Council.

— Somerville Media Center