Newburyport, MA -- The PEG Center for Art & Activism, the YWCA of Greater Newburyport, and Eddie Carson, Dean of Multicultural Education at The Governor's Academy, are presenting an anti-racism series of events designed to raise awareness, pursue equity and diversity, and gain a commitment from the community to proactive anti-racism actions. This series is inclusive of all people of color and open to the public.

“Through leader-led conversations with topics such as hearing from local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) citizens to how to talk to your children about race to actions our whole community can take to commit to being anti-racist, we hope to engage our entire community, our City officials, citizens and businesses,” said Paula Estey, Executive Director of the PEG Center.

The series kicks off with a lecture by Carson entitled “Being Black in White Spaces: A Brave Talk for Racial Justice,” which dives into the Black experience in a predominately white community. The talk will be on Tuesday, March 5 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the FRS Unitarian Universalist Church Sanctuary at 26 Pleasant Street in Newburyport. To register, visit http://www.thepegcenter.org. Suggested donation is $10.

Carson’s talk will help people develop a deeper understanding of the structural inequalities, microaggressions, and cultural insensitivities that persist. The goal is to foster empathy and equip everyone with tools to challenge ingrained biases and advocate for inclusive practices.

“It is crucial for individuals committed to anti-racism to comprehend the nuanced challenges faced by the Black community in predominantly white environments. This talk will challenge folks to feel the souls of Black folks as they walk and drive down the streets in predominately white communities, go bird watching, navigate in white businesses and restaurants, and so much more,” said Carson.

“Ultimately, pursuing racial justice demands a collective effort, and white folks must actively educate themselves on the Black experience to contribute effectively to the ongoing struggle for equality, inclusion, and justice,” he added.

The full anti-racism series includes:

* Lecture - “Being Black in White Spaces: A Brave Talk for Racial Justice”
Tuesday, March 5th, 6:30-7:45 PM at FRS Unitarian Universalist Church Sanctuary, 26 Pleasant Street, Newburyport.

* Community Conversation #1 - “What We Don’t Know”
Thursday, March 21st, 6-7:45 PM at The PEG Center, 3 Harris Street, Newburyport.

Leader-led, open education and discussion about Black lives in our community and how our commitment to becoming an anti-racist City will truly change our profile, culture, and quality of life.

* Community Conversation #2 - “Colors Like Me: Family Conversations”
Thursday, April 18th, 6-7:30 PM at The PEG Center, 3 Harris Street, Newburyport.

Families are invited to participate in a discovery and Q&A, led by Amanda Bradbury, YWCA Director of Youth Services, and Anne Upton, YWCA Inclusion Specialist. Pizza and dessert will be served! Also on display will be the “Colors Like Me Project” artwork, showcasing the YWCA’s after-school program and their ongoing curriculum to embrace race and dismantle racism.

* Community Conversation #3 - “Committing to Change: Becoming Anti-Racist.”
Thursday, May 16th, 6-7:30, at The PEG Center, 3 Harris Street, Newburyport.

The series ends with actionable items and commitments from local leaders, citizens and friends to literally begin to change the face and forecast of the community.

About the PEG Center for Art & Activism

The mission of the PEG Center for Art & Activism is to provide visitors with the transcendent beauty of contemporary art and to be a catalyst for conscious change. We seek to elevate the quality of our community and lives through creative expression, engaging conversations, and committed action. We create and nurture programming to address human rights, social justice, and the environment. Visit the PEG Center at 3 Harris St. in Newburyport, MA or follow us at www.thepegcenter.org for events, programs and more. Paula Estey can be reached at 978-376-4746 or [email protected].