We’ve published two new reflective articles for May, The Cycle of Pain, Rage, Fear and Hope and Undoing My Defenses, both added under the Racial Equity Social Justice (RESJ) Committee.
The Cycle of Pain, Rage, Fear and Hope presents a personal narrative around the extremely challenging and emotional cycle when it comes to undoing systemic racism. As a transracial adoptee navigating both White and non-White spaces, they reflect on their anger and sadness at the continued lack of awareness and inaction, their ongoing fear for those discriminated against and their tentative hope for the future as they are still able to see growth happening.
In Undoing My Defenses, the author explores their reactions to the Racial Equity workshops and how their defensiveness has prevented them from seeing their BIPOC colleagues clearly. They acknowledge that this defensiveness came from White privilege, that they have caused harm to others and hope that this realisation can result in change.
Reflective articles are personal responses by selected attendees to the 2021 Racial Equity workshops led by Nikkia Young and on the intersection of DDP with racial and social justice.
Please be aware that the reflective articles may contain sensitive anecdotes and/or stories that may be upsetting and re-triggering. Their purpose is to spark inner reflection. If you are feeling moved reading them, we encourage you to journal, meditate and be with the important feelings being shared. Sitting with and truly engaging with our responses and emotions is part of the process.
We will be publishing one or two each month in 2021, as a part of the ongoing work to reach out to and engage with all members of our community. This an integral component of DDPI and DDP Connects UK’s joint commitment to social justice and equity for all.
More information about the RESJ Committee can be found in our new Community section, along with the Global Development Committee.
At present the RESJ Committee are not accepting any new members. If you would like to register your future interest then please email ddpi.admin@ddpnetwork.org and someone will make contact with you should membership open.
