April 2025: Exploring New Perspectives

Spring is a season of renewal and growth—a reminder that transformation takes time, patience, and care. As we step into April, we want to thank you for being part of this community and for your commitment to learning, reflection, and action. The work of building an anti-racist community isn’t always easy, but together, we believe we are making a difference.

Last month, we explored the power of storytelling. This month, we turn our focus to the fourth Element of Anti-Racism Practice: Exploring New Perspectives. Where we get our information matters, and without intention, we often find perspectives that reinforce what we already believe. Bobbi Harro’s Cycle of Socialization helps us understand how our views are shaped, while her Cycle of Liberation reminds us that seeking new perspectives is part of the ongoing process of growth.

No matter where we are in our anti-racism journey, we have found that there is always more to discover—in books, art, music, media, and conversation. This month, we’ll look at Titus Kaphar’s painting, “Behind the Myth of Benevolence” (2014) as a reflection point for our relationship with new perspectives.

Titus Kaphar's "Behind the Myth of Benevolence"

We’ll use the following questions to help us focus our thoughts around the concept of “new perspectives:”

1. What emotions or thoughts come up for you as you look at the painting?

2. How does the painting relate to what you were taught about America’s founding fathers?

3. What barriers—internal or external—make it difficult for you to embrace new perspectives?

4. Where do you seek out new perspectives, and how do you share them with others?

   
   

For many of us, new perspectives are what led us to CWC in the first place. We look forward to exploring this topic together, challenging what we think we know, and continuing to grow. And as always, if this prompt doesn’t speak to you, come and share what’s on your mind—your perspective may be just what someone else needs to hear.

“Listen to your beliefs, think about how you learned them, and realize that they are not genetic, nor are they the "only way." You are free to acquire new perspectives, to absorb new ideas, and to question everything you were taught to believe. As your mind opens to exploration and change, you'll feel a new lightness and more joy.” – Charlotte Sophia Kasl, psychologist