“Racism and Homophobia are real conditions of all our lives in this place and this time.  I urge each one of us here to reach down into that deep place of knowledge inside herself and touch that terror and loathing of any difference that lives there.  See whose face it wears.”-Audre Lourde, AfricanAmerican author, lesbian, civil rights activist

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.  It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

 

 

“I’m black, I get it. I get the looks, the crossing the street, the being pulled over by the police for no reason, I get it. I teach about it, I talk about it, but it still hurts. Each day you walk out in the world and someone fears you, doubts your intent, accuses you, it’s called microaggressions and it takes a mental health toll, day in and day out, little cuts of racism, sexism, genderism, etc. woven throughout our culture.

I want to talk about it regardless of who you are, I am here to have those difficult conversations, if you are a black or brown person who has to deal with racism, if you’re a white person struggling to understand what racism is all about and how you fit in it all. I am here to have those conversations. The only way we can bring about change is we MUST talk about the pain. Counseling, Education, Seminars, Workshops etc. I have dedicated my career to having difficult conversations. So let’s do it!! ”

-Dr Africa L Rainey

 

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible” -Maya Angelou