[NLA] [Fwd: [NIFL-ESL:7324] COABE plantation tour]

[loujyesnola@netscape.net]

Sally et al,

At the NIFL Summit 2 years ago I tried to warn those in attendance that  American has a serious problem dealing in an honest and meaningful way with its RACISM! RACISM in America is both overt and covert!! The folks planning the COABE conference gives a great example of the covert type. 

As an American of African decent and male I am unusual when attending state, regional or national literacy events. More often than not I am taken to be an adult learner rather than the administrator that I am. However, as my good friend Janet Isserlis can confirm that Racist and unwarrented notion does not last long once my thoughts are shared!

I would invite "The Field" to do two (2) things! First, go to www.thepeoplesinstitute.org and learn about their un-doing racism training. It is required that ALL of the staff of YES! attend that training during their probationary period with our organization. Second, plan to attend the the first joint LLA/LVA pre-conference on understanding the connections between Racism and literacy work in America. There is also a roundtable discussion,during the conference being conducted by Peter Waite and me,that continues a discourse that started some four years ago. If <YOU> don't think there is any Racism in connection with literacy work then <YOU> really need to do both 1 & 2!! Should <YOU> be among the few who know there IS something there but do not have clairty as to where, when or how to speak to the issue when RACISM shows itself then <YOU> too need to do both 1 & 2!! 

So, go to the website and go to the conference in San Diego! Start to about learn ways to become more effective in communities of color in your work in "The Field"! 

United By Our Endeavors!

Lou C;-}

"Sally Gabb" <sgabb412 at hotmail.com> wrote:

 Dear NLA List members and; As ever, thanks to Janet Isserlis for her critical vigilence in recognizing the inherent racism in the 'Plantation Tour Brochure', and in responding with such clarity.nbsp; While I currently live in New England, I grew up and lived in southern states for the first 33 years of my life.nbsp; This kind of white sentimentality about 'plantation days' is unfortunately common among white southerners.nbsp; Often people who produce such programs and text consider themselves 'liberal', believe they are not racist, and resent being confronted with the contradictions.nbsp; 
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>I agree heartily with both Janet and Elsa - as adult educators in a field that demands we advocate for social justice, we must confront this issue.nbsp; I feel certain that those who planned COABE in South Carolina had NO intention of offending African Americans - amazingly enough - it didn't occur to them that this might be the case.nbsp; In fact it is the unintended racism that perpetuates this incidious system of thought.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; As a white woman who was active in the Civil Rights movement in the south, I realize that I am equally capable of unintended racism - all the more reason to confront it in ourselves and our society.nbsp; 
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>I suggest that we in fact attend the conference (as I intend to do) and request an open dialogue - a recognition of the contradictions, and a responsibility to confront, educate and change the ways we communicate about the racism in our history.nbsp; I too intend to forward a letter to COABE, including a willingness to help organize an open dialogue on the issue.nbsp; Any others interested in joining me?nbsp; 
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>Sally Gabb, SABES SE, Bristol Community College, Fall River, Massnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 
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>sgabb at bristol.mass.edu
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>     gt;From: Elsa Auerbach   gt;Reply-To: nla at lists.literacytent.org  gt;To: "nla at lists.literacytent.org"   gt;Subject: [NLA] [Fwd: [NIFL-ESL:7324] COABE plantation tour]  gt;Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 12:20:47 +0100  gt;  gt;Dear colleagues,  gt;  gt;This is a long post, but I think it is extremely important to consider  gt;as a field. Although some may disagree, I think the issue raised here  gt;is entirely relevant to policy. If we, who are advocates for the field,  gt;do not have political clarity ourselves on such a central question, how  gt;can we represent adult education? Thank you Janet for your vigilance  gt;and leadership in addressing this issue. Elsa Auerbach  gt;lt;lt; message3.txt gt;gt;  
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-- 
Lou C. Johnson,Executive Director
YMCA Educational Services(YES!)
833 Howard Avenue Suite 300
New Orleans LA 70113-1122
504-568-READ(7323)
Literacy And Justice For All!



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