This PPO book studies course is based on the book: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.  The purpose of this PPO book study course is to encourage individuals traditionally identified as privileged in society, particularly white interpreters, to consider how they may benefit from and contribute to important conversations about race and other issues involving diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

Overview: Ibram X. Kendi's concept of antiracism reenergizes and reshapes the conversation about racial justice in America--but even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. Instead of working with the policies and system we have in place, Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it. This PPO Studies course takes the material from the book and applies it to the interpreting profession with the goal of providing systemic and personal changes.

Target Audience: Working Interpreters 

 (Please note: interpreting students should NOT participate in this course. For student oriented material, please email [email protected])

Educational Objectives for How to be an Antiracist:

1. Participants will define their own experience of “understanding racism” and realizing the differences among races-- and the impact of power, privilege, and oppression has on their role as an interpreter.
2. Participants will identify and understand how to identify racism (both hidden and overt) and implement strategies to check for racism and apply accountability.
3. Participants will understand how cultural differences and perceptions lead to racism and employ strategies to be an antiracist. 
4. Participants will develop an action plan to address how they will apply antiracism in the interpreting profession. 

Purple Communications is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This PPO Professional Studies program is offered for 0.9 CEUs at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.

Diversity Academy and Purple Communications promotes and supports policies of non-discrimination and an environment that is mutually respectful and free from bias. 

Requests for accommodations must be submitted to [email protected]. 

The proceeds from this course will be used to compensate diverse Deaf People of Color presenters and BIPOC facilitators in Diversity Academy.

Our courses are available to Diversity Academy members for $40 or to non-members for $65.

Facilitators: 

Dr. Suzette Garay (Pronoun: She/They/Ella/One)
Dr. Garay is a Deaf BIPOC and a third generational Latina(x) from South America, Nicaragua and a third member of my family who was born Deaf. She holds the following degrees: BA, MA. PSY.S, and a Ph.D. Her major areas of studies are Special Education with an emphasis on Deafness and Learning Disabilities, Psychology, and teaching of American Sign Language. She is currently a retired Educational Psychologist and teaches online diversity training courses and has facilitated the Dear White Interpreter course previously with the CAITE BHI program. She also co-owns a private online website working with many families, individuals, and private business owners about interpreting, accessibility, diversity, and advocacy with diverse DHHDB consumers at www.thediversityacademy.com.

Dr. Garay’s resume includes the following qualifications: 25+ years of direct teaching, evaluating, and mentoring with ASL/Interpreter students, working with nationally-certified interpreters, and/or continues to work has an advocate for Special Education students and their families. She also has invaluable personal experience and success teaching, evaluating, and mentoring diverse deaf individuals and/or consumers from underprivileged socio-economic backgrounds.

Philip J. Wolfe has a longstanding history as an advocate, pro-activist, and an antiracist worker who is white, Jewish, no pronouns, non-binary, pansexual, and Deaf. He grew up in upstate, New York, and was raised by his grandparents who were hearing and knew a little of any sign language. Philip has been proactivity involved with various LGBTQ activism at many levels throughout his life and is currently the President of Northwest Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf.  In 2013, Phillip moved to Portland, Oregon where he currently resides and continues to focus his antiracism work with the Black Lives Matter movement as well as many other social justice movements that continue to impact his journey toward dismantling many ‘isms’ and unpacking his white privileges.  Since then, Philip has actively advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. Philip joined the Portland Commission on Disability and served as a Commissioner for 8 years. Early 2015, Philip has served on the Community Oversight Advisory Board (COAB), mandated by the US Department of Justice to oversee policy and procedures for the Portland Police Bureau, and he also was the first Deaf Advocate to chair COAB.

Renee Phillips has a BA from University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Her degree is in Libral Arts with a focus on non-profit leadership. Renee is involved in many different leadership activities, including the Non-Profit Leadership Summit held in Chicago.  Renee is a teacher by day for high school students and studying to become a CDI. Renee is the recipient of the Optimist Scholarship award. She believes in the importance of helping others achieve their highest good and leads discussions on social justice and systemic racism.

Purple Communications is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This PPO Professional Studies program is offered for 0.9 CEUs at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.

Diversity Academy and Purple Communications promotes and supports policies of non-discrimination and an environment that is mutually respectful and free from bias.

Requests for accommodations must be submitted to [email protected]. 

Cancellation Policy: 

In the event that this course has to be canceled, we will notify you within 48 hours. We will provide an alternative course date. 

Should you decide that any of these courses are not for you, you may cancel with a full refund by the first week of the course.