Sharyll Burroughs

I love humanity and all people and I want all people to be free…

Radical writer and visionary James Baldwin had much to say about the human experience. His teachings present a bold challenge: Prioritize humanity above all else.

The Dharma of James Baldwin is an immersive workshop exploring what it means to be human. The knowledge he imparts establishes a framework for a deeper understanding of our most genuine self, our perceptions of others, and the importance of human connection.

You will experience James Baldwin sharing his compelling perspectives on humanity through audio and video presentations. Art and media are used to illustrate Baldwin’s complex ideas. You will have an opportunity to contemplate his insights and engage in rich and meaningful dialogues to explore what being human means to you. Baldwin poses intriguing questions:

What if we emphasized our humanity over identity categories?
What does a new vocabulary that includes the human race sound like?

Baldwin inspires nuanced explorations of these questions within contexts such as individuality, self-determination, freedom, and love. What type of human being do you aspire to be? Let’s find out!

This is an in-person, two-day workshop. Each session is 3.5 hours.
For a more intimate experience, groups are limited to 10 participants.

The Dharma of James Baldwin is also available in a dialogue-only format, an ideal option for professional and community group engagements. Please contact me for details.

Sharyll is a master facilitator in waters many fear to tread, with an unparalleled ability to create a holding environment for deep reflection and insight into some of the most profound human questions. Everyone—everyone—I spoke with after the program continued to feel soul-stirred days later. While this workshop was my first in-depth exploration of the extraordinary wisdom of James Baldwin and of Sharyll's work, it certainly won’t be my last.

– Lisa Shannon
Human Rights Activist
Award-winning author of A Thousand Sisters 

Baldwin’s voice is often raw and provocative, but is always filled with personal, societal, and even spiritual insight. Sharyll’s selections of material and personal sharing and skillful facilitation sparked deep thinking and personal investigation for all participants.

Sharyll Burroughs used the Dharma of James Baldwin to open us to the idea that we could prioritize our humanity over identity categories and free ourselves from stories that limit us. I laughed. I cried. I learned a lot that I am still processing. I was even more impressed by how Sharyll used her open presence to create space where this could arise.

– David Thornburgh
Meditator/Lawyer

For over a decade, I have facilitated humanity group dialogues in various venues, including the Portland Art Museum, the New School in New York City, as well as in galleries and public or private spaces. My art has been exhibited in museums and galleries in Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA.

I attended the Santa Monica College of Design, Art, and Architecture founded by MacArthur Fellow Joan Abrahamson.

Buddhist concepts may be used but religion/dogma are not part of my facilitation process.

ART EXAMPLES

Art knowledge or expertise is not required.

Are you defined by stories
that diminish your humanity?

James Baldwin’s remedy is very simple.

There is nothing more important than the human being.