Being the only person of colour at an anarchist event is a systemic problem. We talk about smashing states and not enough about unlearning ingrained racism, classism, patriarchy, cis-sexism and transphobia. It is tiring to continually be marginalized in so-called “radical” communities where we aim to be anti-oppressive yet recreate systemic oppression because we are not engaging in decolonizing ourselves. This is not just a point about visible representation, but our organizing priorities, the conversations that dominate our spaces, and the continual white privilege that goes unchecked and unchallenged by everyone.
1) Invitation to POC Space
This is an open invitation for people of colour only (POC – including racialized, indigenous, immigrant, queer/trans folk of colour) to come to the POC Space at the KW Anarchist Book Fair. The room will be an intentional space of solidarity for those who battle racism as part of our daily lives, and not necessarily as our “activism.” Feel free to come into the space as a retreat, or to engage in consensual conversations with other folks in the room. A possible purpose for the space could be that we build new relationships, relax, eat in peace, debrief, or share some love, care, jokes, and gentleness during a day that can be tiring. The POC Space will have volunteers in the room all day.
This is an open invitation for people of colour only (POC – including racialized, indigenous, immigrant, queer/trans folk of colour) to come to the POC Space at the KW Anarchist Book Fair. The room will be an intentional space of solidarity for those who battle racism as part of our daily lives, and not necessarily as our “activism.” Feel free to come into the space as a retreat, or to engage in consensual conversations with other folks in the room. A possible purpose for the space could be that we build new relationships, relax, eat in peace, debrief, or share some love, care, jokes, and gentleness during a day that can be tiring. The POC Space will have volunteers in the room all day.
2) Callout for Hosting the POC Space
If you would like to host any kind of workshop, discussion, activity in the POC Room during the bookfair, please send a brief description of what you would like to do to janjolee@gmail.com by Feb 1, 2014. It doesn’t have to directly relate to anti-racism, thought it certainly could. Possible activities could include: stretching, poetry/literature sharing, playing Scrabble, intense discussions of political theory, etc.
3) 2:00-3:30pm Discussion in the POC Space
Janice Lee will facilitate a discussion for POC only, on these questions: What are some struggles we encounter as POC in anarchist and radical-identified spaces? How can we promote anti-racism and allyship without doing all the educating ourselves? What are strategies for solidarity between POC?
Janice Lee will facilitate a discussion for POC only, on these questions: What are some struggles we encounter as POC in anarchist and radical-identified spaces? How can we promote anti-racism and allyship without doing all the educating ourselves? What are strategies for solidarity between POC?
