This first week, the theme is “Digging In.”
Today’s topic is Racial Identity Formation
01 Learn
Understanding the process of racial identity development is important for self-awareness, relationship-building, and work for equity. We are, all of us, wonderful mash-ups of identities, and experiences and we invite you to reflect specifically on where you are in the different stages of racial identity development. Visit or revisit this summary of different racial identity development models or to consult the appropriate worksheets from Sandra Chapman.
02 Reflect
- What thoughts, feelings and sensations do you notice, having reviewed one or more of the models?
- If you have participated in the Challenge before and/or previously considered your own racial identity development, do you have a different perspective this time around? What do you think about that? What is helpful or useful in thinking about yourself in the context of racial identity development
- How do you think about your own racial identity and its relevance to your life, work, studies and/or volunteerism in the food system (or as a person who eats)?
- Consider doing an art response (drawing, poetry, music, collage, etc.) regarding where you are in your racial identity development and what this means to you.
03 Act
Have a conversation with a friend or family member about racial identity development. Also consider talking with someone you know, who would be willing, who identifies as being of a different race. Take this framework into your community, school or organization and discuss. Ask “How might this guide or inform our collective work for racial equity?”
04 Digging Deeper, Time Permitting
- You may want to supplement with watching some of the videos from The New York Times on racial identity in America.
- Read this short post/listen to this short 3 minute segment on “Why All Parents Should Talk to Their Kids About Social Identity”
- Explore other links on the Challenge Resource Page.