The meaning of “white privilege” will be examined in four sessions at Princeton Public Library starting Monday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the library and the interfaith, social action group Not in Our Town, “Engaging Together to Explore White Privilege” will show participants how they can be a part of solving problems relating to race and similar issues.
White privilege is defined a right, advantage, or immunity granted to or enjoyed by whites beyond the common advantage of all others. It differs from racism in that the people benefiting from white privilege may not necessarily hold racist beliefs and can be unaware of the privilege.
This is the second time Not in Our Town has co-sponsored a program at Princeton Public Library. In 2007, a three-part series, “Race: The Power of an Illusion” featured speakers from Princeton University as well as excerpts from a PBS documentary. Not in Our Town is one of hundreds of multi-racial social action groups in communities throughout the country promoting diversity and racial understanding.
Facilitators include Sarah Halley, Anne Yasuhara, and Pamela Freeman, who will draw on sources including the books “Unpacking the Backpack of White Privilege” by Peggy McIntosh, “Learning to be White” by Thandeka, “White Like Me” by Tim Wise and the film “Mirrors of Privilege.”
Additional programs in the series take place on Mondays, April 20 and 27, and May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Not in Our Town Series, Princeton Public Library, Witherspoon Street. Mondays, April 13, 20, 27, and May 11, 7:30 p.m. “Engaging Together to Explore White Privilege.” Video, audio, and reading materials will be used by facilitators Sarah Halley, Anne Yasuhara, and Pamela Freeman. 609-924-8822 or www.princetonlibrary.org.
