Anita D Russell, MEd

A huge thank you to Anita D. Russell, Founder/CEO The Place to SOAR for providing a safe space to open up and share our stories this morning during The Forbes Funds Anti-Racism Cohort 2.0. Raising awareness, listening, learning, and educating – never stop asking yourself how you can be part of the solution.

Love this Podcast. So personal and open. I feel to transform to a non-racist, one has to liken it to learning a new language. It’s foreign to many, it takes changing your thinking, it takes embracing this new journey, learning new customs, accepting what you thought in a negative mind and expect it to take years before you start thinking in the language of non-racism. I’m so proud of you. Wonderful.

After a devastating personal situation, I decided that what I needed most was a means to put myself on a better track. I selfishly thought I would seek my own path versus trying to mend the brokenness I was experiencing through a relationship that went terribly wrong. I was feeling
stuck, listless, and unsure of my future. I thought my age was a factor and perhaps I thought I was headed toward retirement with nothing left to give or create. While participating in a meeting, I heard of a self-empowerment program that sounded like what I was searching for.
The program offered a “discovery call” which was an excellent way to evaluate my needs and what program was best suited to my needs. It was truly the best way to decide if I were heading in the right direction, and as it turns out, it was! I was so pleased with the program outline, the
process of discovery, and the timing of each session. I was afforded the opportunity to work on thought provoking activities that helped to clarify my way forward. It was a blessing to have the “gift” of clarity when searching through what seems to be a distressing darkness. I also found it
very comforting that if I ever come to that dark place again, I now have the tools to work through that darkness and can be relieved of that “perhaps it’s over” feeling. As a woman of faith, I am quite comfortable in saying that I was led by the Spirit of God to this program because it was
indeed nurturing, empowering, and without a doubt, I have grown beyond my circumstance and what could have been an ending became a new beginning.

I loved Anita Russell’s presentation on “Dismantling Racism”! So eye-opening, so convicting, yet so gently delivered. I learned from Anita how little I know about African American history and about the Black experience in this country — why wasn’t that taught in my schools or university?? I learned more about what systemic racism is in the U.S., how it is expressed in corporations and other organizations through assimilation. I told Anita that her voice needs to be multiplied, this presentation was that good. I will never forget the face of baby Cairo or the view from the “top [edge] of the coin.” My sincerest gratitude, Anita!

I am so grateful to have attended Anita’s program on antiracism. Her brilliance, compassion and gifts of guiding/teaching and leading others opened pathways for participants (including myself) to explore, uncover and work through their own issues to enable growth and transformation in being antiracist. We have all experienced many storms and I am grateful for this opportunity in remembering the truth she so eloquently and compassionately speaks.  I am amazed at her ability to guide each of us to work through our own layers of generational racism to be mindful and present to the different choices we can make each day fueled by truth and awareness.
Thank you from the depth of my heart and soul for the gift of you, your wisdom, your teachings, and your compassion.  It is beyond the time for everyone to look deep within and begin their own journey of transformation and healing and stepping into ownership of the choices we all can make to live each moment as an antiracist person and remember our collective humanity.

Attending Anita’s workshop was a life changer for me. I realized while attending the sessions and reading the powerful resource material provided, that just saying I am antiracist is not being antiracist. I learned so much about the history of black people and how racist beliefs and structures are pervasive in all aspects of our lives from education to housing to health care, and how institutional policies were developed over time to support racism. I learned how being quiet and living the life of a privileged white woman is not helping my black family members and black friends. I need to be more active in their lives and help tear down those beliefs and structures and support policy change. I need to speak up and openly support them, and since attending Anita’s workshops, I have. I was also so impressed with how Anita spoke and lead our discussions. She didn’t present with anger or resentment or judgement. She spoke with kindness, understanding, confidence, and grace. You are truly a remarkable person Anita and I appreciate you.

Through being a part of this workshop, I have become more aware of the issues of racism in our country, as well as within myself, and the absolute need to become antiracist in order for our country to heal. In sharing her knowledge, experiences, and resources, Anita provided us with a safe place in which to examine and acknowledge our own thoughts and feelings, and in turn, shared hers. One comes away from the workshop realizing this exploring of our country’s real history and its effects must be recognized and acknowledged.
In conclusion Anita challenged us to establish our own goals and plans to work toward antiracism individually and collectively. I highly recommend the participation in this workshop as Anita provides an outstanding opportunity for valued discussions.

I woke up this morning anticipating another inspirational discussion on my journey toward antiracism and realized that our workshop was over, but my transformation was just beginning. This transformational journey will be ingrained in my head, heart and soul as my realization today is the recognition of the work ahead of me. I was ready and willing to begin the work of antiracism but Anita Russell was the spark and guide. Anita’s approach for this workshop was one that provided accurate information and resources, sensitivity training and support as she gently, yet directly challenged some of my ingrained beliefs. She provided a safe space for me and other members of the group for this self exploration. I loved Anita’s theme throughout the eight weeks which was we each need to take personal responsibility about what happens next and decide own our role in the goal of antiracism. I was able to feel comfortable and challenged due to Anita’s experiential approach, her skill, training and engaging leadership. I am a fan!

Participating in Anita’s training helped me re-clarify my commitment to an anti-racist path. She guided our training group deep into traditionally overlooked U.S. history, past and present, and gave each of us space to connect with one another, share experiences, and reflect. Anita expertly achieves a balance between educating on the hard truth of our country’s race dynamics while simultaneously creating a supportive environment in which to connect, share, and learn. Thank you, Anita!

I am so glad I took this training with Anita. I much more fully understand the struggles black people have experienced over the years in a way I didn’t before taking this class. Anita talks about wanting the world to be a better, a safer place for her grandson. A world where he won’t have to protest. I want that for him too. So what can I do? I can make a beginning by ‘seeing’ black people rather than pretending they aren’t there. I mean actually making eye contact, saying hello and having conversations. I can notice my racist thinking when it pops up, acknowledge it and decide to change. I must do this and change… for Anita’s grandson.I can notice my racist thinking when it pops up, acknowledge it and decide to change. I must do this and change… for Anita’s grandson.