Southwest Race for Justice Thursday, February 25

Race to Justice Day

Minneapolis Southwest High School will be holding an all day workshop about social justice in our community, society, and internationally, branching out to all intersections. Student organizers from multiple different cultures joined together to create a day where students and teachers alike join together to dive into deep discussions.

Topics include systemic oppression in our schools, Untold history that’s not in our curriculum, looking at art and how art plays a large role in social movements, understanding the roles of white people in the Black Lives Matter movement, and other intersections of current social justice.

Different Activists from around the city will be joining together to assist students with the workshops. Prominent Activists with BLM Minneapolis, NOC, NAACP Minneapolis, and other organizations will be working together to educate all people at Southwest.

Attendance will be taken, throughout the day, and is required as is any other school day.

The day will be in the formation of a block schedule, as follows:

Period 1: 8:05-8:35

Workshop Session 1: 8:40-9:50

Workshop Session 2: 9:55-11:05

Workshop Session 3: 11:10-12:20

Lunch: 12:20-1:20

Workshop Session 4: 1:25-2:35

Period 7: 2:40-3:00

Workshops

"House of the Master" taught by Emilia Gonzalez (she/her)

The popular understanding of racism is personal and individual and that is designed to make
structural racism invisible. It makes racism about intent and reduces it to a rare occurrence that can
be attributed to “bad” individuals or social deviants. In reality, it is only a small part of the problem,
and is made powerful only because of the cultural and Institutional support for individual beliefs and
actions. But, because we are trained to look only for Individual Racism, the social and institutional
aspects are often unchallenged. The House of the Master is a leadership development session that
enables individuals to understand the different aspects or racism and look at the root causes in a
popular education model.

“Demystifying Intersectionality” taught by Emilia Gonzalez (she/her)

Students will participate in a popular education leadership development session on intersectionality.
The objective is to promote an understanding of human beings as shaped by the interaction of
different social locations (e.g., ‘race’/ethnicity, Indige-neity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, age,
disability/ability, migration status, religion). These interactions occur within a context of connected
systems and structures of power (e.g., laws, policies, state governments and other political and
economic unions, religious institutions, media). Through such processes, interdependent forms of
privilege and oppression shaped by colonialism, imperialism, racism, homophobia, ableism and
patriarchy are created.

“Black in America” Fatuma Ali

This workshop will cover the history of race being created as a social construct, the purpose of the
racial classifications and the effects they have on us today. This workshop will also delve into the
definition of racism and White privilege.

“ Race, Sports and Minnesota” taught by Lea Olsen

An open conversation on how race has been handled in the sports world as well as how race relations
are handle in Minnesota and how we can move past some of the barriers of having the difficult
conversation.

“Discussing Race: How to Get Started” taught by Betty Mfalingundi (she/her)

Race is a difficult, complicated subject. It can be challenging to keep up with events, terminology, and to explain your ideas. This goal of this workshop, lead by student leaders from South High, is to assit you in articulating your thoughts and opinions in discussions about race and ethnicity. We will break down definitions, ideas, and begin to examine where we fit in these conversations. By the end of this workshop we hope all participants feel more prepared to have informed, conscious discussions
regarding race.

“Respect the culture” taught by Iman and Khadijah

A presentation given by African-American sisters, Iman and Khadijah, on cultural appropriation of
black & Hip-Hop culture and hip-hop dance lessons. Black culture and Hip-Hop will be given the
respect they deserves, as we acknowledge the appropriation of them and participate in learning
authentic hip-Hop dance.

“King Kunta & Queen Bey: Songs of a Movement” taught by Mica Grimm (she/her)

With the rise of BlackLivesMatter as the modern day civil rights movement, art has served as a mirror to the current state of racial politics in America. The conversation has shown up online, at the most prestigious award ceremonies and within America's favorite pastime, but is it important to have these truths solidified by major artists and popular music? And what does it mean to have the message of black politics broadcast to an entire nation? This workshop will explore the songs and performances that begin to define the contemporary black experience and reflect our present moment in history.

“Alternative Civil Rights Timeline” taught by Kenna Cottman (she/her)

Tired of hearing and learning the same old thing every Black History Month? First of all we will
unscramble a timeline of ‘Negro’ civil rights made of events you probably never heard of and Dr. King is not among them. Second, we will learn about the BHM2016 theme: 2016 – Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories. There are some historical sites around Black Minnesotans that we will consider. Finally, if you’re good, we will play the Underground Railroad board game. Test your knowledge on  one of the only things you probably learned about Black History every single year in a big board game, and leave with your game piece and your freedom.

“How to be a Trans Ally” taught by Arden, Sadie, and Cynder

“Intersectional Identities: Finding Faith at the Precinct” taught by Asma Mohammed Nizami
(she/her)
If you had the opportunity to join the movement at the 4th precinct this past fall, you may have asked
yourself how your different identities brought you to the movement. In this workshop, facilitators will focus on how intersectionality plays a key role in finding one's place in the movement. Asma
Mohammed Nizami, a cis Pakistani, Muslim and hijabi woman will share her experience in finding
her role as a non-Black person of color at the precinct. She will also lead attendees in activities that
will help each of us come to individual understandings about our perceived and actual identities and
their roles in the movement.

“Colorism: 50 Shades of Systematic Oppression” taught by Jada Olsen, Awa Mally, Isak Douah
Teaching the basics and breaking down colorism to analyze conflicts within communities of color
across the globe while addressing how tone of skin can change and shape your identity and your
feelings.

“Changing the Community: What it takes to pick up to where the school left off!” and “Leave No
Child Behind” taught by Evan Dentley
Exploring the dynamics of community and team interaction in a creative process. Practice
collaboration and working together towards one goal. Gain an understanding of what motivates self
and others to be involved. Learn the value of a goal for both process and task. Discover how
facilitative leadership fosters ownership amongst the team. Explore the process from idea generation
to implementation (How are decisions really made?)

“I am Not a Minority: Understanding Oppression” taught by Crystal Ballard

“Racial Justice at the Intersection of Power" taught by Anaïs Deal-Marquez (she/her)

This interactive workshop will explore the role of power in both structural racism and organizing for
racial justice. We will incorporate movement exercises, theater of the oppressed, and writing to
explore U.S. histories of racialized oppression, the social movements that have always resisted, and
where that leaves us today.

. “Youth Activism and Organizing” taught by Yonci Jameson (she/her-they/them)

This workshop will be talking about my experience coming up as an activist and organizing
techniques as well as resources, risks associated with organizing, necessities of organizing etc.
Discussion based, we'll be talking about concepts of activism and how those can intersect with
everyday values. Community engagement and outreach tips as well.

“White Allies” taught by Educate Ya Self members!

This workshop is about white allyship. You will learn what an ally is and how to be a good one, while also staying in your lane and checking your privilege. You’ll learn key words, and also have a
discussion about how you can be the best white ally you can be.

“#BlackGirlMagic: A Conversation on Intersectionality & the Need to Change the Narrative” taught

by Kandace Montgomery (she/her)
#BlackGirlMagic is more than a hashtag but a direct tactic to change the story about black trans and
cis-gendered women. At the same time, we are seeing a Movement for Black Lives growing that
centers many new and different voices. This workshop will explore why this new approach is
necessary and how we all play a role in creating more space for black trans and cis women and black
queer folx leadership.

"Young, Black, and Fed Up: A Radical Workshop for Radical Youth" taught by Jobi Adams

(he/him/his) and Vanessa Taylor (she/her)

“QTPOC and Organizing: The Intersection of Race, Sexuality, and Gender in the Movement” taught
by Skye Vang (they/them/theirs) and Oluchi Omoega (any pronouns)

“What does race have to do with capitalism?”: taught by Eric (him) Andy (them) Cliff (him)
 - a workshop introducing people to the many connections between racism (white supremacy) and the
political economic system of capitalism

“Building an Intersectional Youth Movement” taught by Eric (she/her) Antonia (him) Alex (she/her)

a workshop where all participants create a set of strategies on building a youth movement in Mn
about intersectionality

"Basics of Activism" taught by Ali Abdirahman (he/him)

In order to understand what it means to be an activist we’ll first discuss and define what we believe
activism is. Once the groundwork for what activism is has been laid we will go into specifics on the
activism that we’ve seen in our personal experiences as well as activism that we might have seen but
overlooked because the framework for understanding that form of activism wasn’t understood before.
We’ll then move on to what kinds of activism as youth we can engage in and participate in. To finish
the workshop we will ground ourselves with what we learned and how we can apply it in our everyday lives as activists Student organizing for racial justice - a workshop on walkouts, sit ins, teach ins, student unions, and student power with a how to model about fighting for racial justice in the education system.

"Telling Your Story: Speaking Truth to Power" taught by Ryan Stopera (he/him) and Adja Gildersleve (she/her)

Your words and your story are a powerful tool for social change. Ryan Stopera is a writer,
photographer, and filmmaker using storytelling to speak truth to power. Join Ryan and Adja
Gildersleve of Black Lives Matter Minneapolis to learn more about the history of social justice writing, how storytelling is used to fight social justice issues, and what you can do use your story to create positive social change.

“ What Do We Mean By Freedom?” taught by Keno Evol (he/him)

My writing workshop will be on interrogating the question What Do We Mean By Freedom? The
specific workshop goal is to build an understanding of how the word freedom lives in the American
social system while comparing differences and similarities to how freedom might live in our own
lives and consciousness. I will also be plugging the history of resistance, resilience and rebellion in
Spoken word and Hip Hop Culture. Ties and connection in the wake of recent events surrounding the
execution of Jamar Clark and continuing the larger conversation around state sanctioned terrorism.
We will also be covering work by other poets writing on freedom and state sanctioned terrorism. We
will be contextualizing all art brought into the current times and dialoguing on its relevance.
Participants will also spend some time creating and sharing their own work.

"Seeing Ourselves in Art: What we Hear and What We Know" taught by Hawwa Youngmark
(she/her)
How does identity fit into art? Join fine artist Hawwa Youngmark in a conversation and art making
session on how who you are can influence how you make and moving beyond making art for art sake

“ Using Art as a Tactic in the Movement” taught by Michael McDowell (he/him)

POC HEALING SPACE facilitated by Kenna Cottman (she/her)

Enter a space where your experiences and modes of communication are centralized. Participate in
and learn about mental and physical healing practices that will help you thrive. Connect with other
people of color, create new bonds, reinforce supportive relationships, and just kick back.


"Organize Where You Are: Finding Your Stake and Role in Revolutionary Change" taught by David
Boenkhe (he/him)
As waves of movements our transforming our minds and our possibilities, many of us our joining
movements for revolutionary social change, including those from privileged backgrounds. This is
exciting but also creates challenges us and our groups.  Where is it appropriate for a person to organize? How do we organize effectively for ourselves or in solidarity with others? How do we address different levels of power and privilege in our movements?  In this workshop a one time student organizer who has been working for revolutionary change for the last 13 years--from unionizing at Jimmy John's, to trying to get police out of schools, to organizing prisons--will open up a conversation about what organizing we are best able to accomplish, and how to make it happen for real.

“Climate Justice and Front-line Communities”: taught by Andy (him) Alex (her) Antonia (her)-
 a workshop introducing people to how climate change and environmental disaster impacts mostly fall on working class communities of color, in the US and globally