CCC to run a workshop on dealing with racist family members.

This holiday, refrain from a fight over the ham with that uncle who has too many opinions.

On Dec. 7, the Community Care Centre (CCC) will be hosting a virtual workshop on how to deal with racist family members, friends, and loved ones.

Entitled “Shut-it Uncle Bob”, the workshop will be facilitated by liberation educator, artist, and event creator Rania El Mugammar.

As seasonal events draw near, families will be brought together to share in the festivities. This upcoming workshop will provide students with a safe space to discuss strategies and tactics for addressing racism they may expect to experience from loved ones at home.

“Addressing racism is all our responsibility,” says El Mugammar, encouraging viewers on her Youtube channel to refrain from downplaying the impact of racism.

El Mugammar has facilitated this event in venues across Ontario since 2016.

Along with the rhetorical strategies, El Mugammar will teach students more about their role and importance as an educator.

Students may worry that speaking against a relative’s racist comment will lead to an uncontrollable and unhelpful conversation.

To inspire confidence, the event will provide a practice setting for students to try their hand at safely and respectfully initiating and maintaining a discussion on race and racism.

“Racism should be presented as a system that we all participate in and that some benefit from at the expense of others,” says El Mugammar.

Ontario’s legislations that protect victims of racism cannot prevent the normalization of racist thoughts or sentiments in home or office settings.

With the help of El Mugammar, students and faculty can learn how to identify when their home partakes in systematic racism, how they can prevent it, and how you can do your part to learn more.

You can learn more about the Shut it Uncle Bob workshop and sign up here.