Who We Are and What We Do
Whites for Racial Equity is the Monterey County affiliate of SURJ (Showing up for Racial Justice). SURJ moves white folks into accountable action as part of a multi-racial movement through community organizing, mobilizing and education.
Cultivating greater racial competency and examining the ways in which we consciously or unconsciously enact our own white privilege can be difficult and uncomfortable. Our quarterly meetings are designed for white people to take risks, and to dig deep, as we examine white privilege more critically and personally. These meetings are not designed for people of color, as it can be painful to listen to white people struggle and stumble. Also, there is often a tendency to put the burden of educating white people onto people of color in the room.
We believe it is crucial that we take on this burden ourselves, and do the hard work of educating ourselves and one another. We hold other gatherings that are designed to be multiracial: video discussions and a monthly book group, as well as occasional panels and trainings. We share resources on our website and Facebook page, and collaborate with other local and national groups (SURJ, NCBI, NAACP, etc.). We welcome everyone to join us for these activities.This group is not a replacement for multi-racial activism — far from it. But, we need to do our work. White supremacy is our problem as white people. We created it and we benefit from it and so we must work to dismantle it. Whites for Racial Equity (whites working on awareness, reflection, and action).
May the socially constructed but very meaningful concept of race sunset as a predictor of a person’s outcomes in the areas of health care, education, housing, career and promotion, criminal justice, voting rights, wealth, policing, wealth accumulation and more.
What We Do
Whites for Racial Equity (WRE) was co-founded by Anita Crawley, Caroline Haskell, Fred Jealous, JT Mason, and Sue Parris in 2015. While Whites for Racial Equity is not a membership organization nor do we collect dues, we are the Monterey County affiliate of SURJ (Showing up for Racial Justice).
Historically, White Affinity group meetings were scheduled on the second Saturday of most months and either a monthly book or movie discussion, co-sponsored with the Unitarian Universalist Church, were scheduled on the second Tuesday of most months. The weekly eBlast newsletter and website have the most current information about upcoming activities. Return often for 2024 activities.
These activities and communication tools are intended for white folks to educate themselves for the purpose of taking action to dismantle racism. Additional activities include co-sponsoring and participating in anti-racist community events. We also provide a platform for organizations led by people of color to promote their offerings.
The best way to become involved is to start receiving the eBlast and come to WRE or other community events. In most cases all you have to do is show up or register for a Zoom link. Select the Contact Us link to be added to the mailing list. We will not share your information with anyone.
