Four Ways to (Re)consider Facilitating Discussions on Race and Social Justice

Abstract

The year 2020 has offered an important opportunity to continue the important work of building anti-racist institutions.  Community discussion is often challenging but is a vital part of building new institutions that are grounded in love and nonviolence.  Drawing on years of experience facilitating discussions, this article offers suggestions for building trust, dealing with the consequences of the “poisoned well,” creating a pedagogy of listening, and understanding mistakes.  Fostering authentic exchanges through dialogue is not easy work but it is essential to, in the words of John Lewis, “redeem the soul of America.”