Unraveling Our Allegiance to Whiteness Workshop

By Ariana Lima

Jen and Roan went into this seminar with the goal of normalizing white folks talking to other white folks about racism. White folks dismantling racist thought and ideology amongst themselves is the work that they must do to begin unraveling the tapestry that makes up this country. Given as both a directive and dictum from their own internal work and as a coach, that white folks must do this without burdening Black folks with educating and guiding them. 

(Top left to right: Leann Rubenstein, Nedra Deadwyler  Bottom left to right: Jen Willsea, Roan Coughtry)

The discussion shifted to the complicity to white supremacy held by white folks because it is tied to identity. However, using author Sandra Kim as a source, the discussion began around the dehumanizing effect of white supremacy and how a degradation of self happens when folks accept white supremacy as right. 

Taking time to express deeply, openly, and with trust, Jen and Roan reflected on what their own unraveling of anti-racism journey has been like, and that it is an act that “takes the full self”. For Jen it’s been a 20 year journey of undoing what she has learned and unlearning, and yet her commitment remains despite the ease that would come of retreating back into privilege. 

The reality this moment, is that we will not have change according to Roan, until “white folks [have to now] develop the muscle for the work.”

The group was emailed a number of resources to develop their own process. Both Jen and Roan are coaches willing to assist in the journey.