
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.
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.
Session 1: Sep. 13 – Defining Racism (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- Jean-Louis Peta Ikambana
- Sal Corbin
Session 2: Sep. 27 – Redefining the timeline and progression of racism and white supremacy (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- Jean-Michel Giraud
- Sal Corbin
Session 3: Oct. 11 – White Privilege & White Fragility/Guilt (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- Sean Read
- David Ethridge
Session 4: Oct. 25 – Global Perspectives: Native-American Issues (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- Kim Kakakaway
Session 5: Nov. 1 – Global Perspectives: Latino Issues (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- H.E. Ambassador Daniel Gutierrez (Belize)
Session 6: Nov. 8 – Global Perspectives: Asian-American Issues (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- TBD
Session 7: Nov. 15 – What is Anti-Racism? (12 – 1:30 pm ET)
- Sal Corbin
Black History Month 2023
Friendship Place invited everyone to join us as we shared reflections on #BlackHistoryMonth 2023 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