IMPACT EDITION

Application deadline

Priority Application: December 30, 2022; receive decision notification by January 10, 2023

Informational Webinar: Watch the recording here. Use passcode W$X$4n1O

Regular Application: January 25, 2023; receive decision notification by January 31

Extended Application Deadline: February 1, 2023; receive decision notification by February 6

Cohort Enrollment is on February 10, 2023.

Unpacking Racism for Action is a thought-provoking educational series offered by the National Civil Rights Museum to deepen the awareness and understanding of the many manifestations of racism through a thorough examination of how structural and institutional racism, the ideology of whiteness, implicit bias, and intersectionality impact human relationships in society. Through professionally facilitated sessions, participants will:   

• Increase awareness and understanding of the many manifestations of racism.  
• Develop skills and a willingness to confront issues of racism as they arise in diverse settings.   
• Engage in a supportive and accountable community for ongoing learning and action.   

IMPACT EDITION OVERVIEW 

The IMPACT Edition of Unpacking Racism for Action is a six-month series that provides community members, career professionals, and organizational leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to become change agents in their workplace, community, and their personal lives by confronting issues of racism and advocating for racial equity. 

The Spring 2023 IMPACT Edition is comprised of six evening sessions (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM) at the National Civil Rights Museum. Details of each session are listed below.  

Session 1: Thursday, February 23, 2023  
Unpacking Racism for Action Opening Session (Series Introduction) 

This session is designed to orient and acquaint cohort members with the program. To begin building a strong learning community, cohort members will participate in a guided tour, and post-tour debrief, identify, and commit to learning goals, and explore key topics addressed throughout the series.  

Session 2: Thursday, March 9, 2023  
A Seat at the Table (Structural & Institutional Racism) 

As we wrestle with the historical context of racial inequity in America and are confronted with the effects of racism in society today, it can be hard to believe that all Americans, regardless of the color of their skin, have a seat at the table. This session explores how structural and institutional racism has perpetuated disadvantages for racialized people in America and permeates all aspects of our lives.   

Session 3: Thursday, April 13, 2023  
The Multiple Manifestations of Racism (Implicit Bias and Microaggressions) 

We often think of racism on an individual and interpersonal level. Individual beliefs and attitudes towards specific racial groups have significant implications on the way society views and treat people of color. These attitudes and perceptions are often shaped by implicit bias and can produce discriminatory judgments, decisions, and behaviors. This session explores individual and interpersonal racism and the damaging impact of implicit bias and microaggressions.  

Session 4: Thursday, May 18, 2023*  
Calling People In (Ideology of Whiteness) 

What is the unseen impact of racism on white people? This session explores the effect of racism on white people by examining the ideology of whiteness, the dynamics of white supremacy and white privilege, and the risks of white fragility.   

Session 5: Thursday, June 1, 2023*   
The Need for Multiple Conversations on Race (Racism BEYOND BLACK & WHITE) 

The dominant conversation on race in America has historically focused on the relationship between black and white people. This has left us with an incomplete understanding of race, racism, and the possibilities for racial equity. This session provides a brief review of past racism against Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American communities before delving into cross-racial solidarity for racial justice. 

Session 6: Thursday, July 13, 2023  
Advancing Racial Equity (Antiracism and Racial Equity) 

Is it realistic to believe we can exist in a post-racial society, free of prejudice and discrimination? Can we work together to eradicate inequities that impact BIPOC communities and level the playing field for all people? In this final session, we examine various approaches and tools used to achieve racial equity.   

*Indicates revised dates

 
IMPACT Edition Program Costs 

A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals accepted to the IMPACT Edition cohort who may be experiencing financial hardship. For more information, please contact acathey@civilrightsmuseum.org. 

START YOUR APPLICATION 

Applications for the Spring 2023 Impact Edition cohort are now being accepted. 

Informational Webinar 

January 11, 2023  •  6:00 pm Central

Our informational webinars allow you to learn more about the Unpacking Racism for Action series. Hear from our program staff and alumni as they address the series mission, program features, and insight for tackling the application process.  

Request Information 

If you would like to receive more information about the Unpacking Racism for Action series, please complete the form below.

Arlinda Fair Cathey 
DEI Programs and Community Engagement Program Manager

TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST DIALOGUE SESSIONS 

Participating in the Unpacking Racism cohort was a powerful eye-opening experience. The healthy tension, honest discussions, and insights from Inca Mohamed and the other participants were enlightening. I used several of the resources with young people that I worked with in a summer program. I wanted to share what impacted me with a different generation and it was well received. To sum up the experience in two words – thought-provoking!!! 

– Roniece N. Gilkey, Program Director/Historian 

The NCRM-sponsored class - Unpacking Racism for Action - accelerated for me the sense of urgency for our nation's long history of historical and institutional racism to be understood and adequately addressed.  The class instruction and homework provided the "choir" with a stronger voice with which to share these truths to others in our networks and beyond.  The class facilitator - by any measure - absolutely could not have been better! 

– Kate Spurlock, Deputy Director, The Urban Child Institute 

As a person of color, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about racism. This series of discussions helped me realize that I too have much to learn. The dialogue and material used during this session have opened my eyes in so many ways. It has helped me to be more engaged at work and in personal situations when these racist undertones present themselves. I am thankful for having been chosen to participate in this unique opportunity. 

– Genarda Wright, Director, ALSAC