Bearing Witness to
Racism in America

April 24 - 28, 2025

It has long been our desire to create a bearing witness retreat around America’s racial history – as seen through the eyes of African Americans. The intention has always been to engage without becoming a tourist; to seek unity without ‘othering’ those with whom we Bear Witness.

This year we plan on walking the grounds of a deep history in the expansion of slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement – Selma and Montgomery.

We intend our Plunge in Alabama to be personal and transformative, with attendees coming away with an emotional and heart connection with the people, places, and events we witness.

We hope you can join us.

Testimonial
Eliza Welch

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Bearing Witness to Racism in America
Retreat Info
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Questions regarding retreat program, registration and payment: retreats@zenpeacemakers.org

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THE THREE TENETS

All aspects of the retreat are founded on the Zen Peacemakers’ Three Tenets:

NOT-KNOWING
letting go of fixed ideas about yourself, others, and the universe.

BEARING WITNESS
to the joy and suffering of the world.

TAKING ACTION
that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness.

These are and will be our anchor to which we will return every day of the retreat.
They are a powerful way to live one’s life and respond to the needs of the world.
Please refer to this webpage about the Three Tenets to learn more.

Zen Peacemakers
Core Trainings

1
Introduction to Zen Peacemaking
Introduction to Zen Peacemaking
01:17
2
Introduction to the Three Tenets
Introduction to the Three Tenets
57:33
3
Introduction to Council
Introduction to Council
55:58
4
Introduction to Meditation
Introduction to Meditation
54:13

A History of Racial Injustice

Equal Justice Initiative
A series of short films that offer a deeper dive into selected entries from EJI’s A History of Racial Injustice calendar.

Retreat Info Will Be Available In November

Zen Peacemakers International Journal