NEW DAY FILMS BY
Shakti Butler:

Light in the Shadows

The Way Home

Producer's Web Site:
www.world-trust.org

Dr. Shakti Butler is a multiracial African-American woman - (African, Arawak Indian, and Russian-Jewish). Her work as a creative and visionary bridge builder has challenged and inspired learning for over twenty-one years. Dr. Butler is also the producer and director of the groundbreaking documentaries, THE WAY HOME and LIGHT IN THE SHADOWS. Her newest video, which will be completed in December 2005, is entitled MAKING WHITENESS VISIBLE.

Videos serve as catalysts for dialogue and set the context for constructive conversations on oppression through the lens of race. Shakti's work moves conversations beyond black and white and speaks to the interconnectedness of racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia.

In 1994, as Executive Director of World Trust Educational Services, Inc., Dr. Butler designed and launched HEART-TO-HEART CONVERSATIONS, a national program of public dialogue designed to help people to learn together and share deep feelings about race and culture. This program has gained recognition and been reviewed on both local and national television.

Shakti is an inspirational facilitator, trainer and lecturer. Her work emerges from years of self-exploration, commitment to social justice and experience as a learner, lecturer and public speaker. Dr. Butlers services are sought after by colleges, universities, public and private organizations, religious and spiritual institutions.

A warm and compassionate person, she uses her ability to listen deeply while asking critical questions that support self-directed learning in others. Her speaking and teaching styles enrich peoples abilities to move toward expanded capacities for building community. Group dialogue, self-inquiry, reflection and whole body learning by participants are some of the strategies she employs. In addition, her videos and conversation programs stimulate the kind of new questions, which enhance any efforts towards deep learning and change.

Dr. Butler received her doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies in the School of Transformative Learning and Change. She holds an MA in Guidance and Counseling from Bank Street College of New York and graduated Magna Cum Laude from City College of New York. She is also a contributing author to The New Entrepreneurs, an anthology on new paradigm business practices and learning.

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