Event Details 

Anti-Racism Exploration/Discussion Series of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson - FREE EVENT, IF YOU ARE NOT AN OLLI MEMBER AND
WANT TO REGISTER, PLEASE EMAIL OLLI.INFO@UMICH.EDU
NOTE  - IF YOU ARE NOT AN OLLI MEMBER AND WANT TO REGISTER, PLEASE EMAIL OLLI.INFO@UMICH.EDU

Introduction: Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, has written a well-researched, narrative history titled Caste: The Origins of our
Discontents, that is asking us to look at our collective history from a new paradigm, that of caste vs. race and/class. We are offering this Discussion
Series to allow participants to examine and reflect upon this reframing of our history, and its implications for our present and future as a nation. We
want to offer participants a safe space forum to interpret, consider, and challenge the insights offered in Caste. Our hope is that through these
thoughtful and difficult conversations about our nation’s past, we will gain a better understanding of how that history is operating today.

This Discussion Series will serve our collective benefit by beginning to think of ways that we as individuals and as a community can make changes, big or
small, to improve the circumstances and experiences for our children, grandchildren, family, and friends in the near and far futures.

Following an intensive review and discussion of the book, we will then offer, using this new paradigm, the option to participants to continue with a series
of monthly discussions throughout 2021 on additional selected topics. Participants will provide input on topic selection. Anticipated topics include:
health care disparities, our criminal justice system, housing policies, economics, and black feminism.

January 19; February 2 and 16; March 2, 16, 30 from 2:00-4:00.
Co-facilitators: Faye Askew-King & Karen Bantel.

Goals: To increase understanding, awareness, and sensitivity to issues of racial inequity and bias. Create community conversation and opportunities for
self-reflection, personal growth, and behavior change. To consider possible personal action steps addressing racial inequities.

Topics: Part I: January – March: Reading and discussion of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.

OLLI Group: DEI Committee
Continuation optional: April-Dec., monthly 2-hour meetings. One topic
with readings per meeting.
(Participants will be asked to contribute topic ideas at the
beginning as their input is valuable to their learning.)