The Virtual People of Color Conference

by Khadija A. Fredericks, Head of School

Two weeks ago three members of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee of Saint Andrew’s had the opportunity to attend the virtual People of Color Conference (POCC) sponsored by NAIS. The POCC Conference is the most highly attended conference that the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) hosts and has been for many years. There were hundreds of workshop offerings with topics ranging from Literature for Anti-Racism to Lower School Affinity Groups. There were also powerful conference speakers. Ana-Zhara Ezzine de Blas, Erin Stacey, and I are excited to share some of our key takeaways and insights from our favorite sessions with the community at large.

One of the featured speakers was Helen Zia; an activist, award-winning author, and former journalist. Helen’s latest book is Last Boat out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution, which traces the lives of migrants and refugees, paralleling the difficulties facing migrants today. She is vocal about civil rights issues, such as countering hate violence and is involved in many non-profit organizations. While there is the invisibility of this history and knowledge, Helen gave a stunning overview of the history of Asian marginalization in our country and world. The White Awareness & Accountability Group (WAAG) shared about the five needs of every human. They are breath, rest, water, nutrition, and community. This affinity space dove into the role of white folks being allies and accomplices to people of color. It is the job of allies to use their power in society to educate and create more safe spaces for marginalized people. It is the job of accomplices to lean in, listen with respect, elevate voices, and build trust.

Another featured speaker, Rosetta Lee talked about intercultural communication and specifically explained the intent vs impact. How, even if we have the best of intentions, we have to deal with the impact of our actions and the pain that our words/actions can have on other people. Decolonizing the Curriculum talked about making the invisible visible: when you look at a painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, what are you really seeing in the picture? What do they have in common (they are all men, white, wealthy) who is not in the picture? The speaker, a history teacher in a predominantly white school, explained how he gets the students to see the invisible by asking those questions and guiding the discussion. This workshop was particularly important to me (Senorita Ana) because as an immigrant, I am marginalized, but as a Spaniard, I come from the land of the colonizers and I have to be ready to question what I have been taught at school.

Khyati Joshi mentioned how we all have several social identities that we should explore: as a Hindu she was seen as an alien brown girl, but as a member of a high caste in India she is privileged in her country of birth. As we move through this work she pointed out that we need to use our head for knowledge and understanding but remember in our hearts that these are not emotionally neutral topics. We need to address our emotional needs as we learn history. She said, “when you start getting uncomfortable, you are starting to get something done.” Last, in the social justice summit, they mentioned that because a community is diverse it does not mean it’s just. Truth-telling is what proceeds healing. Our starting points are not all neutral. We need to own our reality and challenge ourselves to use our privilege to level the field. If we live in a society that is known for technology and innovation, then we should be innovative in everything including justice and equity. One last thing I (Ana) would like to mention is that this conference, even as it discusses difficult matters, feels to me, like a joyful event where all cultures and differences are proudly celebrated.

We are excited to share a bit more of what we experienced by raffling off a book from some of our favorite speakers. Please enter your name for a chance to win one of these books:

1. Last Boat out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution by Helen Zia

2. White Christian Privilege - The Illusion of Religious Equality in America by Khyati Joshi

3. Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Three winners will be drawn this Friday so enter today.