2. You're a Little Bit Racist with Evelyn Carter and Pastor Ron Buford

Program Structure

Racists Anonymous, founded by Ron Buford, mirrors the structure of Alcoholics Anonymous with its 12-step approach. He believes that acknowledging one's own biases is the first step towards change, a concept inspired by his experiences with AA meetings at his church 1. The program redefines racism as any attention to exterior differences that lead to negative treatment of others, encompassing race, social status, and more. Evelyn Carter emphasizes the importance of intentional conversations about identity and bias, aiming to foster comfort in discussing these topics openly 2.

The hardest thing is that first step is to admit that they're racist. Well, I'm not a racist, so let's call it something else.

--- Ron Buford

Carter's goal is to educate and encourage dialogue, hoping to make discussions about racism less contentious and more productive.

   

Community Impact

The impact of Racists Anonymous extends beyond individual transformation, fostering community connections through shared vulnerability. Ron Buford highlights the importance of acknowledging personal biases, which can be a challenging yet crucial step in the program 3. By sharing personal experiences of witnessing racism, participants build trust and community, realizing the pervasive nature of bias. Evelyn Carter notes that connecting with others on a human level can help dissolve stereotypes and foster a sense of belonging 4.

There is nothing more community building or courageous than being vulnerable.

--- Jeff Krasno

This approach encourages participants to see beyond stereotypes and appreciate individual identities, ultimately aiming for a more inclusive society.