Photo by Alexas_Fotos on Unsplash
Course: Overcoming Racism: Bahá’í Texts and Exemplary Lives (Fall 2025)
Faculty Mentor: Nicola Casserly
by Eric Stanton
This was my second time taking the course [“Overcoming Racism,” formerly titled “Anti-Black Racism in the U.S.] this year. My personal learning plan was to continue drawing insights from the materials presented in the course and to engage in meaningful conversations with the other participants about how we can work together to better advance the principles of The Oneness of Humanity and Unity Through Diversity.
I feel good about what we collectively achieved in this group. Talking about the topic of race is extremely difficult in our society, especially now, since almost every aspect of our daily life is politically charged and polarized. I’m proud of myself and all of the other participants who “stayed in the room” to discuss this topic, even when it was difficult to do so.
The weekly Zoom sessions were really good, even though the time slot was difficult for me. The voluntary sessions on Sundays were very informative regarding the history of racial oppression and how it continues to affect us. I found several of the audiovisual resources helpful, and I would like to revisit them for further reflection and insight. So, I’m grateful that the course materials are available to us for a year. Here are the ones that stood out to me this time around:
Bahá’í Consultation: Concept, Methodology & Application – A Talk by Dr. Hossain Danesh
African American Womanism and the Bahá’í Faith – New Approaches with Dr. Layli Maparyan
On Being: Resmaa Menakem – Notice the Rage, Notice the Silence
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Niki and Carol for facilitating the course, as well as the teaching assistants and other contributors. God bless you and keep up the good work!
