BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Wellesley Racial Justice Initiative - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Wellesley Racial Justice Initiative
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://wrji.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Wellesley Racial Justice Initiative
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T180000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20250122T150936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T150606Z
UID:1895-1741536000-1741543200@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Transgenerational Trauma in Peoples of African and Asian Descent
DESCRIPTION:WRJI\, WAAD & W3A present: Transgenerational Trauma in Peoples of African and Asian Descent \nSunday\, March 9\n4pm – 6pm ET\nVia Zoom\nFree \nTransgenerational trauma – the legacy of a traumatic event that gets passed down from those who directly experienced it to future generations – is a phenomenon that is deeply felt in both the Black and Asian communities. These are communities in which many ancestors and elders have lived experience of events such as forced displacement\, enslavement\, war\, colonization\, racism\, sexualized violence and poverty. The children and grandchildren of those who have lived through traumatic events grow up knowing – sometimes explicitly and sometimes only subconsciously – that their ancestors suffered and were not protected. They can feel trauma\, and they can show trauma symptoms even though their lives may be relatively safe and peaceful by comparison.  \n  \nJoin us to learn about the individual and collective impact of transgenerational trauma in the Black and Asian communities. Panelists include: Dr. Tauchiana Wiliams ’01\, Dr. Julie Lee ’91\, Professor Samuel Ng\, and  Professor Stephen Chen.  \nAdvance registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent in advance of the event.  \nThis event is open to WAAD and W3A members\, the WRJI community\, alums who may have experienced generational trauma\, and other Wellesley alums who ally with Asian and Black communities. \nWRJI is an independent movement of Wellesley alums who actively promote racial justice in national culture and practice\, as well as the wider community\, in an attempt to advance inclusion and eliminate systemic\, institutional and internalized racism. \nWellesley Alumnae of African Descent (WAAD)  and Wellesley Asian Alumnae Alliance (W3A) are shared identity groups of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association.  \n 
URL:https://wrji.org/event/transgeneration-trauma-in-black-and-asian-peoples/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250315T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250315T133000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20250217T152117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T152227Z
UID:1976-1742040000-1742045400@wrji.org
SUMMARY:WRJI Book Club: Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing From White Supremacy
DESCRIPTION:WRJI Book Club: Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing From White Supremacy by Rachel Ricketts \nSaturday March 15\n12pm – 1:30pm ET\nZoom\nFree \nJoin WRJI for a discussion of Do Better – a revolutionary book that addresses anti-racism from a comprehensive\, intersectional\, and spiritually-aligned perspective. This actionable guidebook illustrates how to engage in the heart-centered and mindfulness-based practices that racial justice educator and healer Rachel Ricketts has developed to fight white supremacy from the inside out\, in our personal lives and communities alike. It is a loving and assertive call to do the deep—and often uncomfortable—inner work that precipitates much-needed external and global change. \nRadical racial justice includes daily\, intentional\, and informed action. It demands addressing the emotional violence we have perpetuated on ourselves and others (most notably toward Black and Indigenous women and femmes)\, both as individuals and as a society. Do Better provides the missing pieces to manifest practicable\, sustainable solutions such as identifying where we most get stuck\, mitigating the harm we inflict on others\, and mending our hearts from our most painful race and gender-based experiences\, plus much more. \nThis inspirational and eye-opening handbook is filled with carefully curated soulcare activities for getting into our bodies and better withstanding the grief\, rage\, and conflicting emotions that naturally arise when we fight against injustice. Culturally informed\, secular spiritual exercises\, such as guided meditations\, transformative breathwork\, and journaling prompt unpack our privilege\, and take up the ongoing fight against oppression\, while transforming our own lives along the way. \nThe discussion will be led by Fiona Oliphant ’93. The Zoom link will be sent in advance of the event.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/wrji-book-club-do-better-spiritual-activism-for-fighting-and-healing-from-white-supremacy/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Book Club
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Do-Better-Spiritual-Activism-by-Rachel-Ricketts-scaled-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250413T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250413T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20250321T205623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211008Z
UID:2053-1744563600-1744574400@wrji.org
SUMMARY:WRJI Movie Night: “Mo Amer\, The Vagabond”
DESCRIPTION:Join WRJI for a viewing and discussion of Mo Amer’s comedy special “The Vagabond”.  In this performance Amer talks about his experiences as a Palestinian refugee who was born in Kuwait\, fled with his mother and siblings at the age of nine during the Gulf War\, and ended up in Houston Texas. Throughout this special Amer draws from his ethnic and family background to discuss issues related to religion\, terrorism\, race\, and contemporary politics.  \nHis comedy has been featured in sold-out shows worldwide\, including venues such as Royal Albert Hall\, Hammersmith Apollo\, and Shrine Auditorium. He has appeared on television and radio\, including NPR\, BBC\, and CNN\, and has been interviewed by major media outlets like The New York Times\, Rolling Stone\, and The Guardian. \nWe’ll watch the film together; followed by a discussion – facilitated by Tyree Oredein ’98 and Natasha Chang ’93. \nYou can view the trailer here: https://youtu.be/XqpR_ZhAwAQ?feature=shared \nRegistration is required. The Zoom link will be sent in advance of the event.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/wrji-movie-night-mo-amer-the-vagabond-2018/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Movie Nights
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MoAmer-e1771172008708.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250427T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250427T180000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20250326T223959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T123733Z
UID:2066-1745769600-1745776800@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Building a Wellesley Anti-Racism Action Network
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, April 27\n4pm – 6pm ET\nVia Zoom\nFree \nWhite supremacy is having a powerful resurgence. Many of us feel overwhelmed by the scale and speed of its vicious tactics. Although it might be hard to know where and how to act\, WRJI invites you to join us to partner in designing and launching a Wellesley Anti-Racism Action Network! Join us in community to move with support\, intention\, and determination to resist white supremacy and the subjugation of People of the Global Majority (PGM). \nSome ideas generated so far: \n\nAmplify alums’ anti-racism work\n\n\n\n\nPromote the work of alum leaders engaged in anti-racism activities\nPublicize alum anti-racism websites and publications\, and provide a platform for their educational programs\nHelp connect alums in this space to each other\n\n\n\n\nDisseminate best practices and actions\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganize cohorts to research best practices and disseminate them to Wellesley alum network\nCurate and disseminate calls to action.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport alums who are anti-racism activists and those under threat\n\n\n\n\nGroup for professionals being threatened  – such as educators\, lawyers\, medical personnel\, DEI professionals and others\nGroup for anti-racism activists to provide mutual aid and encouragement.\n\n\n\nWe envision quarterly worksessions to communicate ideas and successes\, brainstorm and design new initiatives\, and collaborate on responses. We know that Wellesley alums have excellent ideas\, deep knowledge\, and wisdom – with your participation we can create something powerful and effective! \nThe Zoom link will be sent in advance of the meeting. \nInterested in participating\, but unable to attend the meeting? Drop us an email at convening@wrji.org. We want to connect with you!
URL:https://wrji.org/event/building-a-national-anti-racism-action-network/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/4-e1732380513754.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20251031T204538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T204538Z
UID:2319-1764790200-1764793800@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Giving Tuesday 2025: Practicing Joy to Build Power and Abundance
DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, December 3\n7:30pm-8:30pm ET\nVia Zoom\nFree \nThis November we’re entering a holiday season in which many of us\, or our friends\, neighbors\, and community members are facing financial insecurity\, general instability\, and a lack of physical safety. The problems of today can feel so overwhelming that paralysis and hopelessness may set in. As a respite\, WRJI is offering this free special event focused on practicing joy to build power and abundance\, led by Mijha Godfrey ’98.   \nJoy is as important as determination and dedication to our work because without it we can burn out and become unable to keep up the fight for justice and equity. We call on you to come together with your siblings in community to build on what’s good. Come share joy to fuel your tank and to empower yourself — not just to weather what’s to come but to create a better future. \nWhether you donate or not\, all are welcome! \nThe Zoom link will be sent in advance of the event.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/giving-tuesday-2025-practicing-joy-to-build-power-and-abundance/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GT2025-Program.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251207T170000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20251031T203950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T163730Z
UID:2315-1765123200-1765126800@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Storytelling for Change
DESCRIPTION:If you are a parent\, grandparent\, caregiver\, or individual who works with kids\, this dynamic workshop is for you! “Storytelling for Change” is a 60-minute interactive session where parents and educators discover how to use children’s literature to celebrate diversity\, build empathy\, and spark critical thinking. Participants come away with joyful\, practical tools they can use right away.   \nLed by Mijha Godfrey ’98\, the founder of Jambo Books\, a children’s book subscription service that celebrates diverse stories and leader of Jambo Together\, a community for parents and educators committed to raising inclusive\, confident and justice-minded children. \nZoom link will be sent before the event.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/storytelling-for-change/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_1996-scaled-e1761943061129.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T203000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20251212T153959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T135708Z
UID:2364-1769454000-1769459400@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Anti-racism Action Network Kickoff
DESCRIPTION:Ready to turn inspiration into action? You are invited to our official Anti-racism Action Network Kickoff! \nMonday\, January 26\n7pm – 8:30pm EST\nVia Zoom\nFree \nThis 90-minute virtual gathering is designed to get you connected and working immediately: \n\nFind Your Place: Hear an uplifting message from Cathryn Stout\, ‘03.\nTry Out a Collective: Jump into a breakout room to explore a collective of interest and contribute to its immediate plans—no commitment required.\nConnect Joyfully: Participate in a “Joy Show & Tell” activity to recharge your spirit and connect with fellow alums. Led by Mijha Butcher Godfrey ’98. \n\nAdvance registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent in advance of the meeting. Looking forward to seeing you!
URL:https://wrji.org/event/anti-racism-action-network-kickoff/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Disrupting Racism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ActionNetworkKickoff_v6-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260208T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260208T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20260108T193259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T021252Z
UID:2409-1770570000-1770580800@wrji.org
SUMMARY:WRJI Movie Night: “Love\, Brooklyn”
DESCRIPTION:If you missed this gem of a film in the theaters in 2025 then take a break\, grab some snacks\, and come see it with us! “Love\, Brooklyn” interweaves the narratives of three longtime Brooklynites as they navigate love\, friendship\, and careers amidst the backdrop of a changing and gentrifying city. This is the feature film debut of Black\, female director Rachael Holder whose work “brings a distinctly intimate and lived-in perspective to modern romance and urban life in New York City.” \nWe will watch the film together (1 hr\, 37 mins) and then discuss. Looking forward to seeing you. \nZoom details will be sent prior to the scheduled event.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/wrji-movie-love-brooklyn/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Movie Nights
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LoveBrooklyn_poster.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T180000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20260215T161836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T021415Z
UID:2509-1773594000-1773597600@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Podcast Club: “Break the Rules! How Audacity Levels Up Life and Career”
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever heard of\, or been to\, a Podcast Club? If this is new to you\, then great – it’s a new event for us too!  A Podcast Club is just like a Book Club\, but instead of reading a book before participating\, you listen to a podcast.   \nThis spring’s Podcast Club features the podcast “Dipped with Sweet and Hot” co-hosted by WRJI volunteer Hollee Mangrum-Willis ‘04 with her friend Melanie Loren. These two share southside-of-Chicago roots and they breakdown the world in a hilarious and thought-provoking fashion\, from a Black female perspective. \nGrab the beverage and snacks of your choice and join us to discuss the episode titled “Break the Rules! How Audacity Levels Up Life and Career\,” (Season 3\, Episode 5\, 52 mins).  This episode features actor\, director\, and advocate Tiffany Yvonne Cox of Hulu’s drama series “Reasonable Doubt.” Tiffany spills about how breaking the rules and owning your audacity can flip challenges into big wins. You can listen on Apple Podcasts\, Spotify\, and Pocketcasts or look for their podcast on your favorite platform. \nAdvanced registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent before the event.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/podcast-club-break-the-rules-how-audacity-levels-up-life-and-career/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Podcast_DippedSweetHot.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T200000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20260215T161247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T161357Z
UID:2506-1777222800-1777233600@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Movie Night: “Mo Amer: The Vagabond”
DESCRIPTION:In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month\, please join WRJI for a viewing and discussion of Mo Amer’s comedy special “The Vagabond”. In this performance Amer talks about his experiences as a Palestinian refugee who was born in Kuwait\, fled with his mother and siblings at the age of nine during the Gulf War\, and ended up in Houston Texas. Throughout this special Amer draws from his ethnic and family background to discuss issues related to religion\, terrorism\, race\, and contemporary politics.  \nHis comedy has been featured in sold-out shows worldwide\, including venues such as Royal Albert Hall\, Hammersmith Apollo\, and Shrine Auditorium. He has appeared on television and radio\, including NPR\, BBC\, and CNN. \nWe’ll watch the film together; followed by a discussion facilitated by Tyree Oredein ’98 and Natasha Chang ’93. \nThe Zoom link will be sent before the event. Looking forward to seeing you!
URL:https://wrji.org/event/movie-night-mo-amer-the-vagabond/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Movie Nights
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MoAmer-e1771172008708.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T170000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20260416T002849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T002849Z
UID:2583-1779436800-1779469200@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Celebrating Activism & Creating Hope with the WRJI Anti-racism Action Network
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for a bite to eat as we celebrate our community and learn more about how you can take action steps designed to effectuate change TODAY!  \nWRJI invites you to join our Anti-racism Action Network teams in an afternoon session designed to celebrate alums\, anti-racism work\, anti-racism workers and WRJI. This session will be an opportunity to celebrate you\, to learn more about how you can take action against the subjugation of People of the Global Majority (PGM)\, and to partner with other alums to bolster your commitment to anti-racism work. And just to have some FUN! \nFriday\, May 22 \nLocation and Time TBD \nIn-person \nFree \nSome of the Action Network cohorts that are taking action now include – Raising Anti-Racist Children\, Criminal Justice\, Voting Rights\, and Diversity\, Equity and Inclusion. \nSome of the Action Network aspirations include – Amplify alums’ anti-racism work\, Disseminating best practices and actions\, Supporting alums under siege and anti-racism activists\, and Identifying ways alums can take action to effectuate change NOW! \nReserve your spot here below.  \nWant to learn more\, but can’t attend this session? Visit our website for more information.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/celebrating-activism-creating-hope/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ActionNetwork_main-e1776609527424.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T143000
DTSTAMP:20260428T165937
CREATED:20260408T024948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260419T143941Z
UID:2566-1779543000-1779546600@wrji.org
SUMMARY:Community-Driven Change for Anti-racism Leaders: An Interactive Discussion with Shara Watkins '06
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for a unique\, engaging\, and provocative conversation with distinguished speaker Shara Watkins ’06. She is known for her work fighting racism and white supremacy in unique ways. As a social impact leader and Chief Operating Officer\, Shara’s work helps big ideas move from whiteboards to measurable impact.\nOur program will include an expert interview with Shara by a WRJI leader\, followed by an interactive work session. You will be able to share responses and ideas that empower you to create and enhance your anti-racism action plans. \nSaturday\, May 23\n1:30pm – 2:30pm EDT\nBrackett Room\, Clapp Library \nAll alums can benefit from this event\, regardless of how you identify and/or your stage of learning about race and racism. You will be challenged\, respected and supported in your anti-racism journey\, even as you advance the growth of others. \nRegistration is suggested. It helps us plan for seating and refreshments. \n\nMeet our speaker\nShara Watkins ‘06 is a social impact leader\, strategist\, and organizational operator whose work focuses on translating big ideas into measurable impact. She currently serves as COO at Each Day Communications\, where she partners with mission-driven organizations\, foundations\, and public sector leaders to help great organizations tell human-centered stories. \nPrior to her work in communications and strategy\, Shara began her career in education and has spent nearly two decades working at the intersection of community engagement\, philanthropy\, and social impact. She has led large-scale programs and partnerships focused on educational access\, racial equity\, and community investment\, and is known for building strong cross-sector collaborations that move ideas from vision to action. \nOutside of her professional work\, Shara is a writer and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. She is the founder of Rose + Jade\, a curated gifting company focused on meaningful products for families\, and is currently working on a memoir exploring motherhood\, identity\, and healing. She is the proud mother of two young daughters.
URL:https://wrji.org/event/reunion-2026-program/
LOCATION:Brackett Room\, Clapp Library\, 106 Central St\, Wellesley\, MA\, 02481\, United States
CATEGORIES:Reunion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wrji.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Reunion2026_v1-e1776609574964.png
ORGANIZER;CN="WRJI":MAILTO:info@wrji.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR