An Invitation to a Brave Space
Together we will create brave spaceBecause there is no such thing as a “safe space” —We exist in the real worldWe all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.In this spaceWe seek to turn down the volume of the outside world.We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,We call each other to more truth and loveWe have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow. We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know. We will not be perfect.It will not always be what we wish it to beButIt will be our brave space together,AndWe will work on it side by side.— Micky Scottbey Jones "The consequences [of silence] are different but also damaging for Whites. As we have seen, many Whites have been encouraged by their culture of silence to disconnect from their racial experiences...In order to prevent chronic discomfort, Whites may learn not to notice. But in not noticing, one loses opportunities for greater insight into oneself and one's experience. A significant dimension of who one is in the world, one's Whiteness, remains uninvestigated and perceptions of daily experience are routinely distorted. Privilege goes unnoticed, and all but the most blatant acts of racial bigotry are ignored. Not noticing, requires energy. Exactly how much energy is used up in this way becomes apparent with the opportunity to explore those silenced perceptions. It is as though a blockage has been removed and energy is releasted. ...when a relationship is growth-producing, it results in five good things: increased zest, a sense of empowerment, greater knowledge, an increased sense of self-worth, and a desire for more connection." ---Beveryly Daniel Tatum, Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? “I tell sincere white people, ‘work in conjunction with us - each of us working among our own kind.’ Let sincere white individuals find all other white people they can who feel as they do- and let them form their own all-white groups, to work trying to convert other white people who are thinking and acting so racist.”— Malcolm X
Together we will create brave spaceBecause there is no such thing as a “safe space” —We exist in the real worldWe all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.In this spaceWe seek to turn down the volume of the outside world.We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,We call each other to more truth and loveWe have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow. We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know. We will not be perfect.It will not always be what we wish it to beButIt will be our brave space together,AndWe will work on it side by side.— Micky Scottbey Jones "The consequences [of silence] are different but also damaging for Whites. As we have seen, many Whites have been encouraged by their culture of silence to disconnect from their racial experiences...In order to prevent chronic discomfort, Whites may learn not to notice. But in not noticing, one loses opportunities for greater insight into oneself and one's experience. A significant dimension of who one is in the world, one's Whiteness, remains uninvestigated and perceptions of daily experience are routinely distorted. Privilege goes unnoticed, and all but the most blatant acts of racial bigotry are ignored. Not noticing, requires energy. Exactly how much energy is used up in this way becomes apparent with the opportunity to explore those silenced perceptions. It is as though a blockage has been removed and energy is releasted. ...when a relationship is growth-producing, it results in five good things: increased zest, a sense of empowerment, greater knowledge, an increased sense of self-worth, and a desire for more connection." ---Beveryly Daniel Tatum, Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? “I tell sincere white people, ‘work in conjunction with us - each of us working among our own kind.’ Let sincere white individuals find all other white people they can who feel as they do- and let them form their own all-white groups, to work trying to convert other white people who are thinking and acting so racist.”— Malcolm X