The White Privilege Conference (WPC) was established and is organized by an African American Professor who wanted to provide a challenging, collaborative and comprehensive experience. The conference strives to empower and equip individuals to work for equity and justice through self and social transformation.
The annual WPC serves as an opportunity to examine and explore difficult issues related to white privilege, white supremacy and oppression. WPC provides a forum for critical discussions about diversity, multicultural education and leadership, social justice, race/racism, sexual orientation, gender relations, religion and other systems of privilege/oppression.
WPC is recognized as an empowering and educational experience. The workshops, keynotes and institutes not only inform participants, but engage and challenge, while providing practical tips and strategies for combating inequality.
What does the White Privilege Conference offer to People of Color?
People of color learn from this conference that White supremacy, White privilege, racism and other forms of oppression are designed to destroy you. This conference is designed to help people of color understand how that system works, to understand the philosophical design [and] belief in White supremacy. How it creates little things that add up, that cause hypertension and other health problems. This conference is an opportunity for people of color to learn about that system and to be better prepared to find success — but most importantly, to live healthy.
WPC provides opportunities for People of Color to come together through workshops and Caucuses. The Caucus for People of Color is for WPC attendees who identify as people of color. People of color are encouraged to attend it daily or as often as they want to participate in a conversation for us, by us. This caucus attempts to provide a safe environment for people of color to share information, feelings, experiences, and interactions that occur during the conference through the use of small-group discussion as a vehicle for mutual support and collaboration.
Below is an example of an all day institute on Wednesday, the day prior to the conference
What’s in it for us?: An Institute for People of Color
Presenters: Pamela Smith Chambers, Robin Parker, Jorge Zeballos – Level: All Levels
Description: In this institute, we will investigate the consequences of working with white people who are struggling to come to terms with white privilege. Join us as we explore (1) the collective experience of working with white people and other person of color on antiracism; (2) the ways in which sexism and homophobia compound the challenges of anti‐racism; and (3) the strategies people of color can use to be more supported and empowered as they work with white people and other people of color