Registration is now open for the spring cohort of the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute — a seven-session series of immersive engagement modules that takes a systems thinking approach to analyze the complexity and pervasiveness of racism, and reflect on what participants can do, individually and collectively, to advance racial equity in their communities.

The seven weeks of discussions start with an overview of racial equity consciousness and then focus on six spheres of development. The two-hours sessions, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will begin on Feb. 15. All sessions will be offered virtually via Zoom.

Each of the modules are bilateral in that the topics feed into each other. For instance in the first module, understanding racial oppression through the history of racial dominance and racial privilege based on racial group designations, puts participants in the best position to advance racial liberation.

Series schedule

Feb. 15: Racial Equity Consciousness: An Overview

Feb. 22: Understanding Racial Oppression and Advancing Racial Liberation

March 1: Examining Racial Identities and Addressing Racial Biases

March 15: Embracing Racial Diversity and Growing Racial Competence

March 22: Building Racial Empathy and Enhancing Racial Stamina

March 29: Acknowledging Racial Trauma and Fostering Racial Healing

April 5: Gauging Racial Inequities and Championing Racial Justice

This is the second official cohort for the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute. Organizer Ron Idoko, diversity and multi-cultural program manager in the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, said in the fall that the goal is to have a cohort every semester and then work on making the program scalable and sustainable.

Registration for the spring cohort is on a first-come, first-served basis and is open to all Pitt students and employees.