Text Box: POWER (People Organized Working to Eradicate Racism) is a radical learning initiative co-founded in 2002 by Ewuare Osayande and Jacqui Simmons to educate and empower persons and organizations either engaged or seeking to be engaged in the struggle to eradicate racism. POWER's philosophy and ideology are based on the teachings and practice of anti-racist theorist and activist Wanda Lofton (1950-2002). During POWER's intensive workshops, participants confront the historic and current reality of racism as a system of oppression. Additionally, participants are presented with a structure that provides for the empowerment of people of color as well as a process for white group accountability that goes beyond words toward the actual dismantling of the forces of racist oppression. POWER workshops are not to be confused with other so-called anti-racist workshop models. Beyond diversity appreciation events and sensitivity trainings that simply advocate for an attitude adjustment among members of the dominant group, POWER workshops are rooted in the tried and tested experience of actual organized struggle against racist oppression. Although POWER's focus is addressing racism, we acknowledge the reality of sexism and homophobia and incorporate such awareness into our work. POWER (People Organized Working to Eradicate Racism) Logo

The following are some of the schools and groups that POWER has worked with over the years:

 

Lehigh University (2008)

Bard College (2004-07)

Student Environmental Action Coalition (2004-05)

Central Michigan University (2006-07)

The Mennonite Church (2005)

Swarthmore College (2004)

The Friends Society (2004)

Rutgers University-Camden (2006-07)

The Consortium of High Achievement and Success (2006)

Westminster Church (2007)

POWER Workshops

 

Resisting Racism I:

Understanding Race/Racism

 

Resisting Racism II:

Self-Determination & Accountability

 

People of Color Empowerment

 

Battle for the Ballot
Text Box: "Osayande's passion, compassion and hope drew our students to him. Osayande did not sugar coat the truth, resulting in deep respect from our students, who usually feel condescended to when speaking about Race. Because Osayande provided scholarly sources for the information he shared in his workshops, the reality of Race as a social construct for the benefit of its constructors and toward the detriment of those classified as Other was indisputable. This left our students with the challenge of better appreciating their collective humanity. It was an emotionally moving process and Osayande was always with us as he promptly responded to all our questions. He has planted the seeds of POWER at Bard College. The roots of self-determination and accountability took hold. Our students continue to tend the garden in anticipation of social justice in full bloom!" Geneva A. Foster, Ph.D. Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Multicultural Affairs Bard College Text Box: "In an intellectual space such as the university campus, there is no other way to have a conversation about racism than to ground the discussion in the history of race. POWER`s workshops do just that. The breadth of Ewuare`s understanding of both the historical construction of race and the legacy of racism in the United States provides a solid foundation for subsequent dialogue about our everyday relationship to and experiences with and within racism. In this way, there is no room for thoughtless disclosure, empathy or public apology. Our only option is to learn, process, and resist." Dr. Yaba Amgborale Blay, Academic Director, Joint Multicultural Program Lehigh University