A Brave Conversation on Race and Equity with Denise Barreto
Continuing the frank conversation about race and equity she started at #PEAK2019, Denise Barreto is back with a don’t-miss webinar event, Bring Your Brave Face, We’re Talking Race and Equity. This June 19 webinar event will be private, unrecorded, and highly interactive, challenging participants to engage in a courageous dialogue about race and equity. Register here now, as the event is filling up.
PEAK Grantmaking’s Sari Houston spoke with Denise about why it’s so important to show up, why it’s scheduled on “Juneteenth,” and why it won’t be recorded.
Sari Houston: Why should grantmaking professionals attend your encore conversation on June 19?
Denise Barreto: It’s important to engage in these courageous conversations because the work that grants managers do is incredibly important to making a positive impact in helping make the world a better place. If grants managers are committed to their organization’s mission they have to continuously be engaging in the work of equitable practices and this webinar is all about how to do just that in a real way.
Sari: How would you convince a grants manager that would suggest that the work they do/the grants they fund are not directly correlated with diversity, equity, or inclusion [DEI]?
Denise: I would challenge them to stretch their thinking because everything they fund has an equitable component. For example, I’m currently working with an arts immersion funder and there is definitely elements of equitable practices that are very prominent that we are discussing in their funding practices so DEI is always — whether you recognize it is really the challenge.
Sari: It’s hard to replicate the well received in-person conference session synergy into an encore webinar; how would you convince someone who attended the original session in Denver to attend this encore webinar? And then how would you convince someone not familiar with your spectacular-ness in Denver to attend this encore webinar?
Denise: I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but the synergy within the in-person conference session I believe should be more than enough to energize those participants to participate in this encore conversation. For those that weren’t able to attend the in-person session this encore webinar session will not be recorded, unlike most PEAK Grantmaking webinars. This was a deliberate decision because I wanted to create a brave space where individuals can fully bring their brave face into this conversation. I purposely did not use the phrase “safe space” because safety is relative, especially for People of Color and particularly Black people. Since we rarely have the benefit of the doubt or mutual consideration, these conversations end up being hurtful to us if we don’t intentionally lay out parameters; yet, these type of conversations are important to strengthening oneself personally and professionally to enhance the mission, vision, and work that you do.
Sari: What, if any, significance does hosting the webinar on June 19 serve?
Denise: Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future and that this day would be a great day to host a meaningful and brave webinar.
Sari: Are there any last sentiments you’d like to share about attending the webinar?
Denise: I want to encourage folks to participate in this discussion because there isn’t a way to “dial in” later to participate. In order for this topic to be less messy, and to strengthen your ability to feel more comfortable in this space, we must continue to seek opportunities like this one to engage in these kinds of direct, frank discussions and activities. With each experience, you’ll build muscle memory to expand your ever-growing skillsets.
In preparation for the webinar, read this article.
Join the PEAK Grantmaking Rocky Mountain Regional Chapter for a local viewing, luncheon, and discussion of the Bring Your Brave Face, We’re Talking Race and Equity (PEAK2019) webinar.
