Carla Wallace
Mentored by white southern antiracist Anne Braden and activists in Kentucky's Black Liberation Movement, Carla has been engaged in social justice organizing for over 30 years. She is a cofounder of the Fairness Campaign in Louisville which places racial justice central to the struggle for LGBTQ equality. She helps lead Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice and the national SURJ network.
Presentations from Facing Race 2016
Activating White Solidarity and Accountability for Racial Justice: Models and Challenges
It IS possible for white people to do effective, accountable work in solidarity with frontline communities without defaulting to the White Savior Syndrome! Hear the challenges and rewards of activating white solidarity and accountability for racial justice from one national and two regional organizations. The workshop will share tools and allow participants to practice concrete ways to bring more white people into racial justice work. SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) is a building a broad-based, nationwide, multi-racial progressive movement for racial, social, environmental, and economic justice. SURJ has been significantly expanding the base of white people in powerful, accountable and respectful partnerships with people of color. The program staff from the Center for Ethical Living & Social Justice Renewal has been successful in moving beyond voluntourism in New Orleans. Staff will share their experiences guiding service learning volunteers in racial justice work in the post-Katrina city. Both before and in the interim since Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, the YWCA in St. Louis has made a significant impact in activating the consciousness and connections of white racial justice allies within their own communities and spheres of influence. Staff will share their experience in leading Witnessing Whiteness groups over the past five years.
Speakers: Mary Ferguson, Amy Hunter, Coleen Murphy, Carla WallacePresentations from Facing Race 2014
How Can White People Get More Whites Showing Up for Racial Justice?
Obama's presidency and the continued economic recession have triggered a largely white racist backlash by the Tea Party, anti-immigrant organizations and conservative political commentators. More white people are needed to show up and speak out against racism. Presenters will share experiences for recruiting and engaging white people in racial justice efforts and working in alliance with organizations of color, particularly drawing on the experience in the South. In this interactive session, participants will share stories and strategies and learn about the work of SURJ: Showing up for Racial Justice, a national network of white people organizing nationally and locally to confront racism.
Speakers: Dara Silverman, Rachel McCoullough, Sean O'Neill, Carla WallacePresentations from Facing Race 2012
SURJ: Strategies for Engaging White People in Racial Justice
The economic recession and Obama's presidency have triggered a largely white racist backlash by the Tea Party, anti-immigrant organizations and conservative political commentators. More white people are needed to show up and speak out against racism. Presenters will share experiences for recruiting and engaging white people in racial justice efforts and working in alliance with organizations of color.
Speakers: Dara Silverman, Carla Wallace, Dottye Burt-Markowitz