Dymally Institute hosts an anti-racism event at CSUDH. Flyer courtesy by the Dymally Institue and CSUDH.
Editor’s note: (1:05 p.m.) In regards to Samad’s first quote, it has been corrected to reflect that this event is for those who do not actively protest racism or “sit silent” in the fight against racism.
By Nova Blanco-Rico, Photo Editor
The Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills is hosting a webinar called, “For White People Only (and other practitioners of unconscious race bias): Anti-Racism Workshop for Racial Reconciliation,” on Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The webinar is open to every student at CSUDH and will focus on bringing out colleagues and engaging with them in an anti-racist discourse.
“We’re concerned about the folk who don’t speak up [against] racism,” said Dr. Anthony Samad, the director of MDAAPEI in an interview. Rather, for “the folks who take a passive approach to racism and sit silent.”
The keynote speaker for the event will be New York Times bestselling author Eddie Glaude, Jr., along with Tim Wise, an anti-racism expert, and author.
Glaude is the chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University. He has written several books discussing racial issues in the United States, such as “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” which analyzes American writer James Baldwin’s work with the theme of racial inequality.
Wise is a prominent anti-racist educator who has traveled across the country speaking at colleges, high-schools, and conferences. He is also an author who has written over nine books that speak on race, privilege, and everything in between.
MDAAPEI plan on hosting two more workshops this year, named “For Coloreds Only” and “No Negroes, No Mexicans, No Dogs.” that focus on racial issues.
A recent email sent to the CSUDH community written by Dr. Anthony Samad addressed the complaints received due to the name of the event.
“Title and signage of the workshops,” as stated in the email read, “was intentional, as now is not the time to be passive about racism.”
Samad assures that anyone who wants to attend the event and join in the conversation is welcome, for it will be a constructive and positive workshop.
“If you consider yourself tolerant, then at least join the workshop to see what the conversation is,” said Samad. “Don’t try to prejudge the conversation, because there is no intimidation factor here.”
To be a part of the conversation, you can register for the event here. If you want to learn more about MDAAPEI, click here.
