Darrick Smith, a 24-year-old youth leader from California, presented a workshop called "How to Defeat Social Discrimination" at a January conference for youth in Texas. Sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries, the youth conference was called "I Can Be Heard Represent!" It was held January 15 to 19, 1999, in New Braunfels, Texas. Youth from all over the United States who were served by the Community Developers program attended the conference.

Some participants in the youth conference take time out to relax from a busy schedule.

Darrick was chosen to present a special workshop on racism at the conference because of his experience with teaching anti-discrimination workshops at Encino High School in California. His workshops there are sponsored by the Community Developers program of the Buena Vista United Methodist Church.

Once a week, Darrick meets with high school students at Encino High to discuss racism, sexism, and homophobia. He explained that, among these, homophobia is often most difficult to discuss. He is careful to make a clear distinction between homophobia and homosexuality. Homophobia refers to prejudice and discrimination against homosexuals.

An essential part of the workshops that Darrick leads is providing a safe place for students to communicate. The students need to feel that their views will be held in confidence by their fellow students before they can express themselves freely.

Most of the exercises and discussions are geared towards helping students trace their own mental pathways to find out why they think the way they do. Many preconceived notions about racial groups are based on misinformation, so part of the group work is getting the facts straight.

Darrick gave the following example of misinformation he has heard from students in Alameda: "The Chinese are taking over our neighborhood." By analyzing historical facts, common issues of oppression, and unchallenged assumptions, the workshops help students begin to mature in their thinking. One thing the students learn is that slavery is not an issue peculiar to African-Americans. Chinese-Americans also have a history of being slave laborers in the United States. In discussing the slavery issue, Darrick says, he makes an effort to move out of comparisons of how bad a people had it.

By tracing the common experiences of slaves, immigrants, and minorities, Darrick sheds light on the language and experience of oppression. "In pursuit of knowledge, you're empowered," said Darrick.

The General Board of Global Ministries began funding Community Developers programs in local churches serving racial/ethnic neighborhoods 30 years ago. The goals were to develop local leaders, empower communities, and organize for social change.

January 28, 1999

To learn more about the General Board of Global Ministries Community Developers program, call (212) 870-3821 or e-mail rlawson@gbgm-umc.org.