People of Color Conference
Christel McGuigan's Blog“Hot Topics” – Multiracial Affinity Group
Dating as a Multiracial Individual
Racism in the Family
Raising Multiracial Children
Transracial Adoption
The Only One
Step In, Step Out
Step in, Step out is an activity that is used to visually demonstrate how individuals identify. Participants are instructed to form a circle, the activity is done in silence, and individuals are asked to step into the circle if they can identify with a statement that is called out by the facilitator.
During the last day of the conference, adults and students were grouped into racial, ethnic, and gender identity groups. Our group comprised of multiracial women. As facilitators, we chose to incorporate this activity as a way to claim our identities, feel the support of others who stepped in the circle, and honor the experiences we often share as multiracial individuals.
Below I have included the statements we used:
- This is my first year at PoCC/SDLC
- This is my first time in the multiracial affinity group.
- I had difficulty choosing my affinity group.
- I am trans-racially adopted.
- I identify as – African American/Black; Asian; Caucasian; Latina/Hispanic; Middle Eastern; Native American; Pacific
- Islander (Always ask if there was anyone who was left out.)
- I don’t look like my children, siblings, or parents.
- I am often “the only one.”
- I have been spoken to in a language I don’t speak.
- People often touch my hair without my permission.
- I have been questioned about my American nationality.
- My family is unaware of my experience as a multiracial individual
- I am disconnected from some part of my cultural heritage.
- I don’t have anyone to talk to about my experience as a multiracial individual.
- As a multiracial individual, dating is difficult for me.
- I have felt or currently feel privileged for being multiracial.
Take AIM!
The Assessment of Inclusivity and Multicultural (AIM) is a tool developed by the National Association of Independent School to evaluate the climate of a school as it pertains to inclusivity and multiculturalism. I accompanied my Head of School to this particular workshop, because will be implementing this assessment at our School. This will be my second time coordinating AIM, and I am excited to begin the process. AIM allows the entire community to productively and effectively engage in conversations of diversity, inclusiveness, and multiculturalism. Additionally, it gives voice to each constituency of the School. AIM is a two-part assessment providing both quantitative and qualitative data through focus groups and an online survey. AIM was a community building experience for my previous school, and the community was better equipped to identify and implement diversity initiatives. I look forward to embarking on a similar journey with Greenhill School and engaging our members in meaningful dialogue about issues related to diversity and equity.
Conference Presenter:
Shani Barrax Moore
Director of Diversity
Cary Academy
www.caryacademy.org
Graffiti Wall
Graffiti Wall - PoCC 2009
Graffiti Wall - PoCC 2009
During affinity group workshops, participants shared their personal stories of self-identity. What you see in these photos are the titles the participants have created to represent their personal journey. Click on the photos to see an up close and personal look at the various stories that were told.
John Quiñones
John Quiñones, co-anchor of ABC TV’s Primetime, opened the People of Conference with an inspirational keynote speech. He was born in the barrios of San Antonio, TX and did not speak English until the first grade. At the age of 13, his family became migrant workers moving from city to city to work in agricultural fields. He recounted the moment he and his father were working side by side, when his father looked at him and asked if this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. That moment was the impetus to receive an education, pursue his dreams, and advocate for those who do not have a voice in mainstream society. His message was one of persistence and opportunity. His recent project “What would you do?” uses hidden cameras to document how individuals react in difficult social situations.
Would you stop a hate crime?
Would you step in if you saw gay bashing?
Would you intervene if you witnessed real estate racism?
Would you help a sick stranger get medication she/he cannot afford?
Community Norms
Discussions about race, inequity, and identity are often filled with passion and emotion. They can be challenging, intimidating, and liberating all at the same time. As facilitators and participants of PoCC, we rely on community norms to help us engage in courageous conversations. Although there are different versions of these norms, here are some to help those who wish to continue these important conversations.
Honor confidentiality.
Assume positive intent.
Speak from the “I” perspective.
Listen, listen, listen, then respond.
Take risks.
“Ouch!”
Be fully present.
Lean into discomfort.
Be crisp, say what is core.
Treat the candidness of others as a gift.
Suspend judgment of yourself and of others.
Those Who Have Paved The Way
NAIS Call to Action Members
Combined these women have attended over 50 People of Color Conferences. It is truly an honor to be amongst these women who have paved the way for me. (Gloria Fernández-Tearte, Sherry Coleman, Jackie Hamilton)
The Facts of PoCC
People of Color Conference 2009 – 22nd Year
Student Diversity Leadership Conference – 16th Year
2,580 conference participants
1,479 PoCC Adults
1,101 SDLC Students
537 PoCC 1st time participants
867 SDLC 1st time particpants
427 Schools with California having the most representatives.
Bermuda – 1 participant
Greece – 1 participant
As reported by Gene Batiste, Vice-President of NAIS – Leadership, Equity, and Diversity
