Meaningful Conversation About Race
Join us in the Vision
Soulful Educational Experience of Culture & Art (SEECA)* is designed to produce educational, cultural, and artistic experiences to enhance the quality of life for participants by stimulating self-awareness.
A Meaningful Conversation was created to provide an intimate forum for discussing
race-related issues in a safe space…on a Zoom platform…at a grassroots level.
SEECA is inventing quarterly forums for renowned authors and speakers to educate and facilitate interactive participation. The events are coordinated by a diverse group of volunteers and attended by dozens of humanitarians. Presentations are designed to attract a diverse audience, inspire group interaction, and promote unity.
Donors are invited to join us in this inspirational work. Donations will enhance the procurement of expert speakers and ensure that participation is free for attendees.
Your tax-deductible* donation will cover speaker honorariums and program development.
Please join us in the vision!
Contact Furahaa Saba at Furahaasaba@gmail.com or call her at (619)623-2471.
Donate to SEECA for A Meaningful Conversation
*SEECA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
Upcoming Conversations
What People Are Saying About a Meaningful Conversation on May 16, 2022 with Dr. Aminita Cairo speaking on “Holding Space”
“I want to thank you so much for this wonderful and provocative conversation with Dr Cairo.”
“When I first reached out to you, Furahaa, after George Floyd’s death, you told me that “white folks need to do the work”. My thought was, “how do I do that?” Then you created this vehicle for us all to learn and grow. And tonight, excerpts from Aminata’s “Power of Silence” brought that teaching full circle.”
“So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for establishing SEECA and bringing these special beings together to engage and inform us in a new reality.”
“It was very good. I enjoyed her reading and different perspective.”
“It just keeps getting better. Cuz you can’t miss with blues.”
“Thank’s a million for a most wonderful, heart filled, evening. I was pretty mesmerized by Dr. Cairo’s amazing share. She spoke from her heart, directly to mine. She exemplifies her truth, compassion, love, empathy, intelligence, purpose and strength. Fabulous writer.
“Thank you all for making the evening so special.”
What people are saying about a Meaningful Conversation With Carolyn Michelle Smith on March 28, 2022:
“Another thought provoking, emotionally stimulating session last night. The experiences your guest speakers share expand awareness, sometimes stretching my personal comfort zones. Yet, how else to embrace the Oneness within diversity but through learning to see the world through another’s eyes - through empathy and a real connection of the heart? Thank you for providing this rare and provocative format for growth and understanding.“
“I feel as though I have learned so much from participating in this process. Several folks said they were so sorry to miss even 1 conversation. These conversations truly represent the mission of SEECA.”
“The discussion on ‘masks’ was very inclusive and relatable. As women, we have all been conditioned to assume facades or masks in our varied roles. It made me feel at one with the speaker and others present. I have been working on the concept of authenticity. This discussion was so tied into my journey in that regard. I have even more clarity and encouragement to continue in this journey. This was an excellent experience. Thank you for allowing me to share in it with you and the other women.”
“I had the great benefit of attending Carolyn Smith’s presentation hosted by the Soulful Educational Experience of Culture and Art’s “A Meaningful Conversation” series. Ms.Smith’s engaging, articulate and illuminating presentation was thought provoking. She elicited an opportunity to see ourselves and others with fresh and different perspectives. I’m very glad I was able to attend and participate in this event and have a Meaningful Conversation.”
“Ms. Carolyn Michelle Smith’s rich discussion of her varied experiences was great to witness. So much of it resonated with me as a Black woman. I also remembered to be grateful for painful experiences that I have not had such as being closely monitored when shopping. The openness and willingness to engage, share resources, and consider next steps for change among the participants was great. I will revisit the poem “Myself” often. I look forward to the next Meaningful Conversation.”
What People Are Saying About a Meaningful Conversation on October 25, 2021 with Rev. Cheryl Dawson speaking on “Art in Context”
“Beautiful! It was a meaningful and love filled evening. I got a call from one of my neighbors who was on the Zoom call, and she just loved it! She was so happy to hear Reverend Dawson’s perspective.”
“What a lovely, lovely event last night. Many thanks to you and SEECA for creating this incomparable event with such insight and compassion.
Your work and dedication are invaluable”
“I am enjoying hearing the speakers.”
“Well done.”
“Wonderful and incredibly powerful!
Thank you, thank you for providing the platform for so many of us to have a glance into lives & suffering of countless generations of black folk-for opening our eyes and our hearts.”
“Thank you for inviting this experience & reality check into our lives. God Bless you.”
“Wow. Wow!
Thanks for the experience tonight”
“Your program is wonderful. Cheryl Dawson was inspiring and fascinating to hear her story with the Black Panthers.
One of our students did an interpretation of Huey P. Newton a few years ago, so it was incredible to meet someone who was part of the program. It’s also interesting to hear the women’s questions. You’re doing a great job!”
It was such a beautiful heart warming event.
Thank you”
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed Rev. Dawson. She is such a light, and to hear her story (and the story of all black women), from such a deep, painful place was enlightening. And the way she began from a heart full of love and then wove her story through the pain and back to love again was remarkable. I feel so fortunate to be participating in this wonderful program you have constructed. Congratulations on establishing SEECA.”
Thanks for putting these Zoom presentations together. I've gotten something out of each of the ones I've had the privilege of being part of. Here are a few random thoughts about A Meaningful Conversation with Reverend Dawson:
The audience of white people is diverse in terms of class, education, and life experience. I expect some people have little exposure to the daily experiences of Black people. I suspect many might think, like one commenter, that, "I thought things had improved". I think some folks wish that were true so they aren't having to think about injustices still occurring.
I personally think having relationships with people who don't look like us is a good thing -- it enriches our lives, expands our points of view and helps break down all the stereotypes we're exposed to constantly in the media platforms.
Many people don't see a way to participate in a way that will bring about positive change. These forums are a way to be informed of some realities.
I think your idea of getting feedback following a forum is a good one. It is threatening for many white people to speak out on a Zoom call for fear of being judged negatively. Perhaps not having experience talking about matters related to race or the need to look "cool" or smart may contribute to that. Individual contributions may be more comfortable.
“It was great, What a dynamic vital speaker. How can you follow her? You handled it so well, Congratulations and many thanks.”
“Thank you for a most uplifting and revealing evening. It was very important for me to hear a black woman express her challenges in today's life. I would be screaming from the rooftops if it were me. It put the life of a person of color into perspective for me.
I truly enjoyed the meaningful conversation with Rev. Dawson. It brought up a lot of good and bad memories for me. My father was from Macon, Georgia and my mother from Shreveport, LA so I heard lots of stories. I remember the Black Panther Party back in the 70's. I love it when stories are shared so that white people can see what we had/have to endure. Lots of them really want /need to know. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have heard that conversation. Thank you for sharing.”
“I was glad to be a part of Meaningful conversations. The speaker was very special. For all the white grandmothers, it was hard to hear that she didn’t think life was really any better for people of color!”
What People Are Saying About a Meaningful Conversation on Sept 13, 2021 with Furahaa Saba reflecting on her story “Country Love”
Hi, Furahaa! Congratulations on a great story, and I hope the stories keep coming!
Wonderful story, I could feel the love. Thank you.
I am touched Furaha & honored to b here tonite. Ur are an amazing story teller.
I have heard the story from my late husband who was a family member, but hearing it again was wonderful
Thank you Furahaa. You are such a rich story teller and we are all richer this evening for it.
Furahaa You are an amazing being. I can’t say enough right now. I have no words yet. I’m so grateful to know you. what a magnificent evening.
Thank you Furahaa for your intimate sharing ≤3 ≤3