This four-session online writing and discussion workshop proceeds from the idea that we don’t just create stories, stories create us. When enough of us believe certain stories, those stories become the topsoil in which our selves, families, and societies and cultures take root and grow. Stories help construct our realities. Stories tell us who we are, and they make us who we are.

We who are committed to antiracist practices know that some stories–“the American Dream” is just one example–act as pillars holding up white supremacy. Part of the work of dismantling white supremacy is to challenge stories that oversimplify us and estrange us from each other, that reduce us to either/or, to checked categories on a Census form. Part of the work of rising from the ashes of the old, to creating the Beloved Community, is to discover, inscribe, and share new, more authentic stories about who we are.

Online sessions are from 6:30-8 p.m. ET June 14, June 28, July 12, and July 26.

Participants must register by the June 12 deadline. All are asked to set their intention to attend all four sessions of the workshop. Due to the interactive nature of this engaged workshop, we will not record the sessions.  

All participants agree to adhere to the Middle Church Zoom Covenant. The covenant is as follows:

-- Upon entering the meeting, please change your display name. Enter your Full Name, pronouns, and your city. i.e. “Amanda
Hambrick Ashcraft (she/her, NYC)”
-- Upon entering the meeting, please turn your video on and mute your mic, as we’d love to see you and also avoid background noise.
-- Zoom participants will adhere to demonstrating Revolutionary Love at all times. If a participant’s behavior is deemed inappropriate by the meeting host, they will be removed. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to harassment, threats, bigotry of any kind, and not identifying themself.

All participants agree to adhere to the Middle Church Zoom Covenant. The covenant is as follows:

-- Upon entering the meeting, please change your display name. Enter your Full Name, pronouns, and your city. i.e. “Amanda
Hambrick Ashcraft (she/her, NYC)”
-- Upon entering the meeting, please turn your video on and mute your mic, as we’d love to see you and also avoid background noise.
-- Zoom participants will adhere to demonstrating Revolutionary Love at all times. If a participant’s behavior is deemed inappropriate by the meeting host, they will be removed. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to harassment, threats, bigotry of any kind, and not identifying themself.