Below, you will find our current roster of events and also learn more about some of the ways we’ve gathered in the past.
JOIN US for thoughtful conversation, creative exploration, and some good laughs—gently facilitated by Lola Osunkoya and Alissa Paris, with occasional special guests joining the circle.
In our Aug. 8 session, we’re gathering to grapple with the question: How do we describe being (mis)read as white?
Are you someone who is often labeled “white-passing”? How do you feel about that term? There are a whole host of other terms folks have come up with, such as “perceived as white,” “white-adjacent,” “white-presenting,” “white-assumed,” and “white-bodied.” This session gives us space to actually engage with these words: what each term captures, what it leaves out, and how each of them feel for us.
The Mixed Race Dialogues (now called the MidWest Mosaic Dialogues) started in 2014 as a space for people who identified as mixed race and/or transracial adoptees to discuss our identities, experiences, personal & societal narratives, and build community. Over the years we convened four unique dialogue tracks, including, Transracial Adoptee, Read As White, Black Mother’s Mixed Families, and Open Mixed Dialogue tracks, all serving as dedicated spaces.
What began in 2014 as a space for community dialogues about mixed-race identities and experiences grew into a unique biennial conference centered around art, community, and courageous conversations.
The conferences held space to explore mixed, multiracial, transracial and transnational adoptee experiences through art, activities, presentations, and conversations hosted by presenters and community members.
The Mixed Race Dialogues started in 2014 as a space for people who identified as mixed race and/or transracial adoptees to discuss our identities, experiences, personal & societal narratives, and build community.
We are kicking off this next round of dialogues with the intention of both re-engaging folks who have been involved in the past as well as bringing in new participants.
The Mixed Race Dialogues started in 2014 as a space for people who identified as mixed race and/or transracial adoptees to discuss our identities, experiences, personal & societal narratives, and build community.
We are kicking off this next round of dialogues with the intention of both re-engaging folks who have been involved in the past as well as bringing in new participants.
Within, Between, and Beyond uses artistic interpretation and storytelling as an innovative and insightful way forward around issues of race and identity in America today––creating intentional space for individuals to share their experiences and speak their truths. A collaborative project centering the stories and identities of mixed race and transracial adoptee participants, Within, Between, and Beyond in exhibition consists of paintings, audio/video interviews, and a reflection space.
Leslie Barlow, Oil on canvas
In 2021 we convened our first ever Youth Action Team. This group of teens from the twin cities came together to learn, share and grow every two weeks. Every other session they hosted guest teaching artists presenting on a broad range of topics. The two lead organizers were mentored by MWM Director Alissa Paris, as they co-created an adaptive space in response in response to input from participants.
This summer we had families and community members join us in celebration of one another and the sun, with food, art, music, and performances. The five hour open house was filled with familiar faces as well as some new ones. With the MidWest Mixed Conference being a bi-annual event, this was an exciting way to gather our every growing community.
