The challenges related to systemic racism could not be more pressing than they are right now, both for us personally and as a nation. Many of us feel moved to make our advocacy on issues of race more readily visible but in order to do that we first need to do some important self-reflection. In order to do this, we must be willing to confront our own white privilege, understanding how we have benefited from structures and systems that have served us and seeing how those same systems have oppressed Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. We invite you to join us on this journey through a 5-part book discussion focusing on Debby Irving's 'Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race.' Through Debby's own journey, we will explore our own experiences, reflect on our own privilege, reveal our implicit biases, and cultivate greater advocacy skills.

From Amazon: For twenty-five years, Debby Irving sensed inexplicable racial tensions in her personal and professional relationships. As a colleague and neighbor, she worried about offending people she dearly wanted to befriend. As an arts administrator, she didn't understand why her diversity efforts lacked traction. As a teacher, she found her best efforts to reach out to students and families of color left her wondering what she was missing. Then, in 2009, one "aha!" moment launched an adventure of discovery and insight that drastically shifted her worldview and upended her life plan. In Waking Up White, Irving tells her often cringe-worthy story with such openness that readers will turn every page rooting for her-and ultimately for all of us.

This 5-part series will be offered on Thursday mornings from 9-10 a.m. from July 16th - August 13th. Please plan to purchase the book ahead of time. We will be following the below reading timeline for the duration of the course.

Chapter Assignments:

7/16 Chapters 1-10

7/23 Chapters 11-20

7/30 Chapters 21-30

8/6 Chapters 31-40

8/13 Chapters 41-50

The book is composed of short chapters, averaging about 5 printed pages each. Depending on the pace at which you read, you are committing to 1-2 hours with the book each week.

Pre-registration is required, please hold your calendar for the following dates: 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13

Discussion will be held via Webex and books to be purchased by participants prior to July 16th start. Registered participants will be sent calendar invites with Webex links to each session.

If you register for a workshop and your attendance plans change, please let us know by emailing hrtraining@umbc.edu.