Perils and Promises

• This writing workshop is invitation-only. All spots have been filled.

The act of befriending is a necessary human practice, and friendship is also an important element of many faith communities. Friendship often builds authenticity, inspiring individuals and communities to pursue qualities such as healing, liberation, presence, and growth. Transformative friendships steeped in depth can also add stability to our world.

How do these truths about the possible nature of friendship intersect with society’s reckoning with racial injustice? In particular, where do friendships between Black women and white women fit within these broader conversations? Does it matter that such friendships can expand understanding and also suffer because of our racialized society and the impact of white supremacy?

This writing workshop grapples with these questions at the intersection of race, faith, and friendship and explicitly centers Black women’s stories. Participants will 1) write a personal essay focused on the topic and 2) write an essay in response to another participant’s work. Ultimately, through writing in collective conversation with one another, this workshop seeks to name the emotional impact Black women experience in their friendships with white women. In this space, Black women can write honestly about the perils and promises they observe in these friendships.

Facilitator bio

Patrice Gopo is an award-winning essayist and the author of books for adults and children. Her essay collection, All the Colors We Will See, was Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. Her debut picture book, All the Places We Call Home, was inspired by one of the essays in her collection. As the child of Jamaican immigrants who was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Patrice often writes about racial identity formation, immigration experiences, and the beauty of living a multifaceted life. Her essays have appeared in a variety of publications, including Catapult, Charlotte Magazine, Creative Nonfiction, and AFAR Magazine. Her essay “That Autumn” received a notable mention in the Best American Essays 2020 and earned a National City and Regional Magazine Association award for best essay, criticism, and commentary. In addition to other honors, Patrice is the recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship and a Sustainable Arts Foundation Award. Patrice lives with her family in North Carolina, where she enjoys walks just after dawn and thinks a perfect day ends with ice cream. Please visit www.patricegopo.com to learn more.

This writing workshop is invitation-only. All spots have been filled.