Nichelle Whitney Wash

I do not use "microaggression" anymore. A persistent daily low hum of racist abuse is not minor. I use the term "abuse" because aggression is not as exacting a term. "Abuse accurately describes the action and its effects on people–Dr. Ibram Kendi". This workshop will unpack various forms of microaggressions and how they present in work and community context. We’ll explore the psychological impact of micro-aggressions, and we’ll offer tactics for productive responses when mishaps occur. In addition to unpacking stereotypes, we spend time understanding how oppression operates in cycles, and we explore the ways in which we are able to break the cycle. The session includes interactive dialogue surrounding video clips and allows for small group discussion in breakout rooms. This session includes the following learning objectives:

• Create awareness surrounding the common occurrences of microaggressions.
• Explore the outcomes associated with the experience of micro-aggressions.
• Tips for how to respond to a situation where you are the aggressor and when someone has been micro-aggressive (harm reduction).