WCC, WWU to Host 'Talkin’ Race: A conversation about race and place' June 3

Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University students, faculty, staff, and Whatcom County community members are invited to  "Talkin’ Race: A conversation about race and place" from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, June 3 at WCC's Syre Student Center.

This event is free and open to the public, although participants are asked to register in advance by completing the form on Survey Monkey at this address: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/junecwd.

The spring conversation, "Talkin’ Race," is a continuation of the ongoing dialogue series and all are welcome. It is the fourth year in a row that Western’s Faculty Senate Social Justice and Equity Committee (SJEC) will sponsor a vital conversation about racial differences in our community. SJEC is honored to partner with WCC Equity Project for the second time, and to expand the work of racial justice.

Parking for the event is free, and Simmering Tava will provide local, organic Indian food.

The format will follow previous well-received programs. Participants will meet in small groups to respectfully explore the topic of race and place in order to promote greater understanding.

One participant reflected on the dialogue stating, “It was great hearing multiple perspectives because mine is limited. It allowed me to see what is universal, and other patterns that are either healthy or problematic.”

A diverse team of facilitators from the student body, staff, faculty, and the community will guide the small groups. Various professional multicultural educators and experts in the field have provided training for the Talkin’ Race dialogue facilitators.

“Participating in the campus-wide dialogue about race was highly rewarding. I’m new to conversations like these and the chance to sit down for meaningful, challenging talks with a group of strangers was a transformative experience,” said Kessa Volland, a marketing and media coordinator for the Office of Communications and Marketing at WWU.

To request accommodations please call 360-383-3043 (voice), 360-255-7182 (videophone) or email ADS@whatcom.edu.

WCC and WWU are committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services and programs. 

For more information, contact: Tim Costello, director of Western's Center for Community Learning, at Timothy.Costello@wwu.edu.