A four part series instructed by Nekeisha Alayna Alexis

Sept. 28, 30, Oct. 5, 7.  Each session will begin at 7:00 pm and be one hour and fifteen minutes long.

ONE: INTRODUCING RACE. UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS | SEPT. 28
The idea that multiple, distinct, races exist is a way of explaining visual variations between human persons that is biologically false. In that way, we can say that, “Race is not true.” Yet, racial categories profoundly impact all of our lives, with the negative effects felt most readily by those identified as Black and other people of color. But where did race come from? Who does it serve? Why does it matter? This learning session will explore these questions.

TWO: INTRODUCING INTERSECTIONALITY. ADDRESSING SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION | SEPT. 30
Coined by Kimberle Crenshaw and emerging out of an analysis of workplace discrimination against Black women, the term “intersectionality” provides a framework for understanding how racism/White supremacy and other forms of oppression (sexism/patriarchy; ableism; heterosexism, etc.) collide to impact specific communities in detrimental and violent ways. As the term has become more mainstream, its meaning has gotten lost in translation. This learning session will work to increase understanding of what intersectionality is and why it matters for our undoing oppression efforts.

THREE: BUILDING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE. INCREASING OUR SKILLS | OCT. 5
While intersectionality provides a framework for understanding and acting to dismantle systemic discrimination and oppressive structures, intercultural competence — the ability to appropriately shift cultural perspective and adapt/bridge behavior to cultural commonalities and differences — supports the constructive work of creating new interpersonal relationships, organizations and social spaces. But what does intercultural competence look like? How do we grow more proficient in this skill? This learning session will explore these questions.

FOUR: GROWING TOWARDS JUSTICE. CASES AND QUESTIONS | OCT. 7 This final session will provide examples of long-term work for systemic change here locally and the outcomes over time, and introduce tools that can be useful as starting points for others. It will also leave ample time to address lingering questions that have come up throughout the series as a way to close out our time together.

Presenter's Bio
As Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism Coordinator from the Anabaptist Menonite Biblical Seminary, Nekeisha Alayna Alexis leads a team of teaching faculty, administrators, and students in the ongoing work of building intercultural competence and undoing racism throughout the institution. Nekeisha holds a B.A. from New York University with concentration in Africana Studies, and a M.A. in Theological Studies with a concentration in theology and ethics from AMBS. She is a native of Trinidad turned New York City transplant who now calls the City of Elkhart home.She educates on a wide range of topics related to race/racism/White supremacy, intersectionality, and theology. Nekeisha Alayna Alexis  www.ambs.edu