Anti-Racism 101

Required Skills for White People Who Want to be Allies

This online course centers on one big idea: the differences between anti-racism and defending oneself against charges of racism. As a 101 course, content will focus on defining anti-racism as interrupting and dismantling racism; identifying which actions fall into categories of anti-racism, avoidance, or defending oneself against charges of racism; and building resilience to white fragility. The three sessions will roughly fall under these categories: theory (big idea); practice (identifying the differences); personal (internal work).

Anti-racism, acts of interrupting and dismantling racism, is at the heart of what GCORR is called to do and be. Blindspots among white folks keep us perpetrating racism even as we claim to want to be doing anti-racism. This resource is a brave space conversation – with those of us who are white challenging us to do the personal work necessary to interrupt and dismantle racism in our own lives, in our practices, and in our thinking by providing the foundational information, internalization, and interruptions necessary for any white person to engage in anti-racism work.

As white folks, the system of racism benefits and protects us. In order to truly be allies in the fight against racism, we must learn how to interrupt and dismantle it, even/especially as we learn how much we benefit from and still perpetrate it. Anti-racism is the work necessary to do so. For those just starting and for those already committed to this work, there are foundational ideas and actions that are necessary for this work to help and not do harm. A 101 course provides the necessary foundational work for all white (would be) allies and an entry point that does not require prior work.

By taking this course, folks will:

  1. Learn how to explain anti-racism to your church siblings or family;
  2. Build your skills in interrupting racism in real time;
  3. Practice becoming stronger against white fragility – overcome the temptation to give up when the realties of racism become intense.
  4. Create a foundational toolbox to interrupt and dismantle racism that will ground any other anti-racism work you do.


This is a self-directed online course created for you to take at your own pace. Videos, worksheets, and quizzes are included to enhance your learning.


Your Instructor


Rev. Michelle Ledder
Rev. Michelle Ledder

From 2016 to 2021, the Rev. Dr. E. Michelle Ledder worked for the General Commission on Religion and Race as the Director of Anti-Racism Education, helping the United Methodist Church live into increasingly honorable forms of diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and racial equity. In Oct 2021, Chalice Press released her co-authored book, “Anti-Racism 4REALS: Real Time with Real Strategies in Real Time for Real Change” and, with her co-author, the Rev. Sheila M. Beckford, has been busy introducing the 4REALS method to groups ready to do anti-racism work, right now. Having written and facilitated hundreds of workshops and learning activities, Rev. Michelle has helped thousands of Christians – especially white Christians – do the work of anti-racism rather than just talk about it. Ordained in the 6th Episcopal District [Georgia], Rev. Ledder is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She currently serves as an Assistant Minister at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington DC, where the Rev. William Lamar, IV is pastor. Michelle just recently completed her PhD at Emory University with a focus on homiletics (the art and science of preaching) and pedagogy (the art and science of teaching). Her dissertation is entitled, "Both/And Anti-Racism Homiletics: Addressing the Dual Oppressor/Co-Conspirator Reality of 21st Century White Preachers Working to Interrupt and Dismantle Racism with Preaching.” She currently resides in Baltimore City with her pit/boxer mix Cashmere.


Course Curriculum


  Module 1: Getting Started
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days after you enroll
  Module 2: Defining Anti-Racism
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days after you enroll
  Module 3: Strategies for Interrupting and Dismantling Racism
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  Module 4: Wrap Up
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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