{"id":42302,"date":"2025-09-15T16:28:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T20:28:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/?p=42302"},"modified":"2025-09-15T16:28:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T20:28:32","slug":"powerful-conversations-sparked-at-sinclairs-brown-faces-white-spaces-book-club","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sinclairclarion.com\/home\/tartan-news\/2025\/09\/15\/powerful-conversations-sparked-at-sinclairs-brown-faces-white-spaces-book-club\/","title":{"rendered":"Powerful conversations sparked at Sinclair\u2019s ‘Brown Faces, White Spaces’ book club"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On September 10, in the Our American Journey Classroom, located in Building 11 room 11324, powerful conversations and earnest discussions were held about around Latasha Morrison<\/a>\u2019s \u201cBrown Faces, White Spaces<\/a>\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The free-book initiative attracted thoughtful students eager to unpack the themes of race, place and belonging through open, honest conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Cover of bestselling author Latasha Morrison’s “Brown Faces White Spaces”.<\/strong> PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Paul Strozier, Sinclair College<\/a>\u2019s multi-faith campus chaplain and co-facilitator of the book club, is passionate about open and productive conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy wife, Mariann, and I have been active in the work of racial reconciliation for many years. We believe getting people together for open, honest discussions makes a difference. This book helps to facilitate those conversations,\u201d Strozier said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His words set a tone of intentional community-building rooted in relationship and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mariann Strozier also shared her own personal and hopeful perspective on race relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe in order for us to live together on this one planet, we must do all we can to build bridges of understanding with one another\u2026 at our core, we are all more alike than different,\u201d Mariann said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their voices together created space for vulnerability and mutual reflection. The conversation then turned personal with participants asking about their own responsibilities and decisions about prospective jobs and life choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing on Morrison\u2019s three-phase framework: Preparation, dedication and liberation; the group discussed how awareness, commitment and action can guide collective healing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis book is a follow up to \u201cBe the Bridge<\/a>\u201d. Ms. Morrison combines an excellent insight into American history with a clear view of how foundational beliefs of religion advocate for peace and equality for all people,\u201d Strozier said. \u201cThe history helps us identify the problems while the religious insights help us see potential paths toward solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the conversation deepened, Strozier underscored the connection between these themes and Sinclair\u2019s campus.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sinclair Students discuss Latasha Morrison’s “Brown Faces, White Spaces” in Building 11’s Our American Journey classroom.<\/strong> MALIYA AYAMBIRE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cThese themes, race, place and belonging are central to our human experience and therefore to our campus community\u2026 When we value and pursue authentic identity for all, it helps to lead us toward compassion and greater community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And an insightful and personal contribution from Kanesha Tobias added yet another layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe shared a lot of vulnerable stories\u2026 Our families taught us to navigate environments dominated by non-white or white-passing people. I recall being told, \u2018Make sure you don\u2019t show how thick your nose and lips really are\u2019 or \u2018Don\u2019t stand outside in the sun too long, your skin will get too dark.\u2019 We learned these messages from people who hated us. Now, I\u2019m here learning how to help create better experiences for brown faces in white spaces,\u201d Tobias said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This reflection illustrated how deeply personal history and family teachings connect with the book\u2019s themes and underlined why these conversations matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consensus in the room was hopeful. Participants expressed gratitude for this safe and authentic space. Many voiced hopes that these talks would sow deeper understanding and lifelong reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChanged people will change society. If we can create safe spaces \u2026 then those people may help change the world for the better,\u201d Strozier said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With weekly sessions held every Wednesday throughout October, the book club promises not just reading together but growing together as a community. Students interested in participating can register here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maliya Ayambire, staff writer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out more posts by the Clarion:<\/p>\n\n\n