Our working group received two competitive grants from the Center for Race and Ethnicity (CRE2) to support our expanded engagement and focused study of the role that mindfulness can play in anti-racism efforts, by increasing health equity and enhancing psychological well-being. A central goal is to explore the role that mindfulness can play in reducing racial bias among dominant groups. Additionally, we will explore the use of mindfulness-related tools to combat health disparities, by reducing discomfort with interracial interactions, and increasing bias awareness. A key question that we investigate is whether there are barriers in current mindfulness practices, structured interventions, and dissemination routes that reduce the accessibility and awareness of these practices to under-represented and minoritized communities. In particular, some leading thinkers in this area have suggested the need to ‘decolonize’ mindfulness, through progressive approaches that respect cultural traditions and practices of BIPOC groups.
A second grant supported the development of a Mindfulness and Anti Racism Lectureship. Our inaugural talk and panel discussion took place on April 30th, 2021 with Rhonda Magee. Since the inaugural talk, we have been fortunate to continue the series twice per year for a total of 6 speakers thus far, including the collective wisdom of visionaries, scholars, and practitioners such as Valerie Brown, Michael Yellow Bird, Marisela Gomez, Doris Chang, and Amit Berstine. For 2024, we have an incredible line up of speakers including Dr. Yuria Celidwen on April 5th, and Dr. Larry Ward on September 27th. A recording from all of the prior lectures can accessed for free here.