Khatib A.F. Waheed LLC
Racial Equity Learning Exchange (RELE) Sessionsâ„
Khatib A.F. Waheed, Founding Consultant,
Presenter and Facilitator
"Conscientiously Pursuing Racial Equity and Equality”
Why RELE Sessionsâ„
Are Relevant?
There are many reasons why learning opportunities like those offered through the RELE Sessionsâ„ are considered relevant. Three of the more basic reasons why many participants believe that RELE Sessionsâ„ are needed are listed below.
​
Engaging Data Informed Action
Data is used to raise public awareness and encourage system leaders and other caring citizens to become more intentional in their efforts to reduce the broad spectrum of social determinants of health and well-being that continue to exist. Despite what many would like to believe - race does still matter. Data suggests both historically and currently, that black, and brown communities continue to lack access to the same opportunities and resources afforded white families and communities.
Correcting The Flawed Historical Narrative
Much of US history is devoid of comprehensive information about the lived experiences, oppression, accomplishments and aspirations of black and brown families and their communities. As a result, too many citizens lack the requisite awareness and empathy necessary to eliminate the root causes perpetuating racial disparities, divisions, stereotypes and tensions between racial/ethnic groups.
​
Embracing The Growing Signs Of Hope
The time for progress is now. Increasing numbers of citizens have become awakened to the reality that our nation can and should do more to improve outcomes for all children, families, and communities. Many leaders acknowledge that saying "equality for all" is not good enough. They are recognizing their efforts must deliberately focus on improving the outcomes and opportunities for communities of color that have historically: faired the worse; been forced to relinquish the most; been rewarded the least; and often worked the hardest. While some progress has been made, there are significant racial disparity gaps in black and brown communities that continue to persist. More action is required to level the playing field in ways that are racially equitable. Growing numbers of leaders and citizens are using the RELE Sessionsâ„ to figure out how to level the playing field. They are starting with a review of the data.
​
​
The Three Basic Objectives of
Racial Equity Learning Exchange (RELE) Sessionsâ„ are to:
​
-
Build the capacity of individuals and organizations to engage in "courageous conversation" about the intersections of race, poverty, trauma and the need for multi-systemic reform;
-
Create a safe learning environment that invites and challenges each participant to identify and discuss how potential racial attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes might be impacting child and family outcomes; and
-
Provide a learning framework for identifying, understanding and addressing structural racism and achieving racial equity.
​
​
Major Support Services
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Speaking engagements can be arranged on a variety of issues about race, social justice, and the need for systemic transformation. A variety of audiences, settings and time periods will be considered.
CONSULTATION
Consulting services and supports can be arranged to occur with agencies, community-based organizations, private companies and government programs seeking to begin or expand their racial equity work. These sessions can be tailored to meet the need of each customer and can exist over a varied period ranging from one hour to several months.
RELE SESSIONSâ„
Racial Equity Learning Exchange (RELE) Sessionsâ„ are learning opportunities that utilize multiple approaches to advance thinking and action regarding the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, poverty and trauma and the use of multi-system transformation efforts to achieve racial equity and equality. The RELE Sessions are presented over a period of three (3) days for individuals and organizations wanting to become more grounded in the use of racial equity as a change framework. A variety of data, tools, and frameworks are introduced
STRUCTURAL RACISM THEORY OF CHANGE
The Structural Racism Theory of Change is a backwards mapping strategic planning process that is presented over a period of 3 days and places the achievement of racial equity at the center of institutional policies, practices, and organizational culture
RELE
TRAIN-THE-TRAINER
‘Training the Trainer Sessions" are called Presenter and Facilitator Learning Exchange Sessionsâ„ . These opportunities are presented over a period of 10 days for individuals representing organizations wanting to initiate, expand upon and/or sustain their existing racial equity work. Attendees will learn how to present and facilitate the RELE Sessionsâ„ . Persons interested must be part of an organization or agency and must be authorized by their respective organizations to participate.
Customer List (abbreviated)
It is a great privilege to work for and with so many individuals and organizations that care about changing adverse conditions impacting children of color, their families and communities. An abbreviated customer list of the Racial Equity Learning Exchange Sessions (RELE)â„ , represent state and county level jurisdictions, national foundations, private corporations, community organizations, child welfare agencies, school districts and others:
-
Administrative Office of Courts, Washington State, Olympia, WA
-
Administrative Office of the Courts – Family Practice Division, Trenton, NJ
-
Bronx Family Court Improvement Project, New York, NY
-
Casey Family Programs, Seattle, WA
-
Children’s Village, Dobbs Ferry, New York, NY
-
Circuit Attorney, City of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
-
Columbia County Department of Social Services, New York, NY
-
Florida Institute for Child Welfare, Tallahassee, FLA
-
Generate Health STL, St. Louis, MO
-
Genesee County Department of Social Services, New York, NY
-
Iowa Department of Human Services, Des Moines, IA
-
Lawyers for Children, New York, NY
-
Missouri Children's Division, Department Social Services, St. Louis, MO
-
Missouri Department of Mental Health, Jefferson City, MO
-
Monroe County Department of Human Services, Waterloo, IL
-
Office on Children and Family Services, New York, NY
-
Office of Early Learning (OEL) in Tallahassee, FLA
-
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, Reno, NV
-
New Yorkers for Children, New York, NY
-
New York Administration for Children and Families (ACS), New York, NY
-
New York Office on Children and Family, New York, NY
-
Places For People, St. Louis, MO
-
Department of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth, New York, NY
-
North County Police Chiefs Association, St. Louis County, MO
-
Office of Mayor and Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, St. Louis, MO
-
Ramsey County Community and Human Services, St. Paul, MN
-
Rockland County Department of Human Services, New York, NY
-
Rockwood School District, Wildwood, MO
-
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis, MO
-
St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis, MO
-
St. Louis City Children's Division, St. Louis, MO
-
St. Louis County Children's Division, Jennings, MO
-
Santa Clara County Social Service Agency and Department, San Jose, CA
-
School District of Clayton, Clayton, MO
-
Slalom Consulting, Manager Talent Operations, St. Louis, MO
-
TEACH Society, St. Louis, MO
-
West End Neighborhood, St. Louis, MO
-
Wilson County Department of Social Services, Wilson, NC
-
Zero to Three, Washington, DC
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." Maya Angelou