Testimonials
The direct stories from our alumni can be the most powerful and persuasive indicator of our impact:
"Learning How with Challenging Racism opened my heart to optimism regarding racial equity in this community. As a human rights and anti-Black racism activist, as well as a Black woman with Black teenage sons, pushing against the cultural norms of white supremacy is oftentimes exhausting and lonely work. Being able to share my lived experience as well as hear those of other BIPOC participants and speakers helped me form a trusting bond with white allies during this program. The connection that we all shared, by the nd of the last session, was no less than magical. It was a privilege to work with Challenging Racism and all the facilitators and participants, regardless of their racial identity. I feel a new burst of energy in continuing the long road ahead in solidarity with others who share my commitment to anti-racism and basic human rights for all.”
Whytni Kernodle
Alumna Challenging Racism Learning How, Winter 2021
Alumna Challenging Racism Learning to Lead, Summer 2021
"I am a 19-year veteran English Language Arts (ELA) teacher in Arlington County Public schools (APS). Since 2015, I have been associated directly with the work of Challenging Racism (CR) in Arlington, Virginia. I first encountered their work 16 years ago when they partnered with APS to offer professional development (PD) for all teachers on how to have courageous conversations about race. The conversations and training were impactful for me as an educator. At that time, I hadn’t considered before the potential impact of talking with my mostly white students about race. I left the year of PD with knowledge about racial identity development and a new understanding about how conversations about race, both personal and systemic issues, are important for all people regardless of age or race.”
Jennifer Goen, M.Ed, NBCT
H-B Woodlawn Secondary School