Press Release

The Philadelphia Enterprise Center was the venue for a new frontier in the field of diversity as facilitators James Crumel, Frederick Bryant and Dianne Bryant launched their workshop on February 16 entitled "A Day of Healing and Self-Exploration: Black Racial Identity - An Approach for Self-Discovery." Mr. Bryant commented, "Our goal in developing this workshop was to provide a forum for participants to say the unsaid. Our objectives were to increase racial appreciation and awareness of internalized oppression; to develop the ability to conduct open discussions regarding intra-group diversity dynamics; and increased understanding of oneself as a racial being. In the past, most diversity work was designed to increase the understanding of non-minority group members about matters relating to racism, gender issues, and discrimination. However, this new era of diversity work takes diversity to a new level of self-exploration and understanding of African American group dynamics."

By all indications, the workshop was a huge success. Participant Dr. Helen Richardson of Career Consciousness, Inc. said, "As a business owner, I am very conscious of how this phenomenon impedes the development of black business because of our inability to trust one another. I see developing an understanding of internalized oppression as critical to making black economic development a more collaboratively prosperous environment." Participant Valerie Hayes of the University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Programs offered, "The workshop and the individuals who attended are just what I needed. It was absolutely wonderful being with individuals who truly seem to understand the dilemma that we, as free-thinking individuals of color, face in a world where being an individual with a different yet caring point of view can sometimes come at a tremendous personal, professional, and emotional cost. The facilitators did an excellent job at facilitating a process where strangers became friends and kindred spirits . . . an unexpected but welcomed result." Likewise, participant Dr. Marcine Pickron-Davis of Research for Action commented, "I found the workshop an empowering experience that enabled me to fully engage in dialogue with other African Americans who have shared perspectives about internalized oppression."

Participants were in for a treat with the theatrical performance from Priscilla Crumel as Sojourner Truth, which depicted Sojourner’s life from slavery to freedom and her work in the women’s movement. Following this dramatic portrayal, James Crumel traced the journey of Sojourner Truth through the stages of the Racial Identity Development Model. He indicated, "It was extremely rewarding to see the participants connecting with the Model, testing it by relating the lives of other famous African Americans to the various stages. The model provided them with a tool for understanding themselves and others as racial beings." As participant Cynthia Primas of Cynthia W. Primas Consulting stated, "The Model works!"

For Dianne Bryant the workshop provided participants the opportunity to connect with early learnings as it relates to race in order to better understand who we are today as racial beings. Ms. Bryant reported, "This workshop grew out of our earlier work on Racial Identity Development Theory entitled "Made in America: Healing Ourselves from Internalized Oppression," which was published in the Summer/Autumn issue of Next Step magazine."

The participants were seemingly unanimous in expressing the need for a longer follow-up workshop. Participant Ida Malloy of The Pennington School indicated, "It was a good place and space to be in. I think that there is a need for more time. Valerie Johnson-Ferguson of the School District of Philadelphia added, "A weekend follow-up is important and needed."

In his closing comments, Mr. Bryant remarked, "I want to sincerely thank the Philadelphia Region Organization Development Network for sponsoring this important day of awakening."

Original Announcement

The workshop objectives are to increase racial appreciation and awareness of internalized oppression; to develop the ability to conduct open discussions regarding intra-group diversity dynamics; and to increase understanding of oneself as a racial being.

Living History Presentation * Soul Food Lunch

For additional information, call Barry Cross @ (215) 248-4100