Our Work on Anti-Racism
Friendship Place launched its Anti-Racism Training Series in October 2020 to educate staff, community groups, and individuals throughout the country about the ways in which the intentional misrepresentation of people of color influences our perception of others, our institutions, and our broader social systems. The training lays out historical examples to generate discussion about the cultural impact on modern society.
The training also looks at the ways in which one can take the “anti-racist” approach when confronted with instances of racism.
FINAL SESSION: Please register now by clicking on the titles in blue.
Session 6: Nov. 20 – Series Overview: How Can I Be an Ally? (12 – 1 pm ET)
Sal Corbin, Rachel Yakobashvili and special guests, students from Georgetown Day School
PAST SESSIONS:
Session 1: Defining Racism and Its Impact on Housing Insecurity
Missed our September 18th Anti-Racism Webinar with Sal Corbin and Alan Banks? We dove deep into the impact of systemic racism on housing policy—examining redlining, racial covenants, and the long-lasting effects of institutional discrimination. Alan Banks shared his personal journey through homelessness and explored the laws driving housing insecurity.
Session 2: Timeline of Racism
Missed our October 2nd Anti-Racism Webinar with Jean-Michel Giraud?
We explored the historical and legal roots of racism in America, diving into the realities behind the nation’s founding myths. Topics like Manifest Destiny, Jim Crow, and “separate but equal” policies were examined alongside modern immigration reforms. We also debunked common myths, discussed the role of the Klan, and revisited redlining to connect past and present forms of systemic racism.
Session 3: Privilege, Bias & the Role of DEI
Missed our October 16th Anti-Racism Webinar with Iris Jacob and Lynn Amano?
We explored the complexities of white privilege and white fragility, examining how privilege shapes self-identity and can lead to guilt. We also delved into how implicit bias perpetuates systemic racism and highlighted the vital role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in driving meaningful change.
Session 4: Oct. 30 Native American Perspective (12 – 1 pm ET)
Missed our fourth October 30th Anti-Racism webinar with Maria Mendez and Teresa Lamsam?
Our discussion delved into the historical and ongoing impacts of racism on Latino and Native American communities, highlighting the unique challenges and lived experiences of these groups.
Session 5: Nov. 13 – African and Asian Perspectives (12 – 1 pm ET)
Missed our October 2nd Anti-Racism Webinar with Jean-Louis Ikambana and Maryland State Delegate David Moon?
Dr. Ikambana discussed the effects of racism on African communities, connecting historical injustices to his human rights advocacy and the broader pursuit of equity in America. Delegate Moon shared insights on systemic racism’s impact on Asian communities, highlighting the fight for racial justice in Maryland and across the U.S.
Black History Month 2024
Friendship Place invited everyone to join us as we shared reflections on #BlackHistoryMonth 2024 and presented educational, inspiring, and resourceful information each week during the month. We shared essential reading, training tools, notable leaders, and more. Follow us as we share, learn, and grow from our community beyond February.
Read about some of Washington’s most notable figures in our blog post here.
Our Anti-Racism Task Force Team created a list of books to help us unpack and understand our history. Take a look at our list here.
See our Black History Month Arts Contest winners here!
Statement from Jean-Michel Giraud
Friendship Place works every day to help the most vulnerable among us – providing people in need with housing, jobs, and essential items. We know all too well that the burdens of homelessness, unemployment, and economic disenfranchisement fall disproportionately on black lives and other people of color. We condemn systemic racism and the hatred that causes such inequity.
Friendship Place is committed to ending homelessness and systemic racism by actively fighting for racial justice through our work. We are dedicated as an organization to the realization of a society where all are valued and protected by the institutions intended to serve our nation.
We call on our neighbors and allies to join us in our peaceful work for equity.
With gratitude,
Jean-Michel Giraud, President & CEO, Friendship Place
Join our virtual community this fall in furthering our understanding and awareness of social, systemic, and institutional racial inequity. Register now by clicking on the linked titles below.