Barbara Simmons and Tayna Longino will lead a discussion on “Impact, Intent and Effective Allyship in the Face of Ism’s” to Newtown Quaker Meeting adult class (newtownfriendsmeeting.org) at 9:45 a.m. on First Day (Sunday), Jan. 23.
“From Zoom bombing to microaggressions, marginalized people are being impacted today in negative ways that tear at their daily lives. How can we find ways to speak up and be an ally when we are not sure if it will be safe, effective, or even wanted? Intervening can be fraught with anxiety and concern,” the two said.
Longino and Simmons will lead a discussion to help people gain a better understanding of microaggressions and how to become an ally and witness when it is needed most.
Simmons was executive director for over 30 years at The Peace Center, where she helped implement programs focused on prevention, intervention and tertiary methods of conflict, violence, racism and bigotry
Simmons was founding director of PeaceTalks radio (a project seeded by Newtown Friends Meeting) whose documentaries aired on NPR and PRI; serves as ambassador to L.O.V.E. is the Answer, which brings together police and the community to address racism and police brutality; serves on the Advisory Board of the Nakashima Foundation for Peace, on the Alpha Community Education Program, and as an adjunct instructor at Arcadia University’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution master’s program.
Longino is the president and founder of HR Partners, a human resources consulting firm. Her career in Human Resources spans 30 years and includes specialties in finance, IT, banking, specialty materials, pharmaceuticals, retail, health care, education, and law enforcement.
As a racial equity consultant, facilitator, Longino’s work focuses on the impacts of race and racism on systems, institutions, organizations, and individuals.
Longino is the immediate past president of The Bucks County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, an international professional women’s service organization of African American women; she serves on the board of the Office of Institutional Advancement for Germantown Academy, the board of directors for Planned Parenthood Keystone, and The YWCA of Bucks County. In 2012, Longino received the YWCA’s Women Who Make a Difference Award and was awarded the 2018 Peacemaker Award by the Peace Center of Bucks County.
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