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| Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Team to Organize Racism Study Circles in Bristol, TN/VA In light of the alarming resurgence of racist and hate crime incidents that have marred our region and country since the election of America’s first African American President, Barack Obama, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Team feels the urgency to address racism, because it is totally in opposition to what Dr. King taught, lived and died for. The Team, with diverse members throughout the Tri-Cities region, invites churches, institutions and community members to come together in two study circles, under the guidance of professionally trained facilitators, in neutral and comfortable settings, and dialogue on racism. Participants in the study circles will be able to share their experiences, respectfully listen to others, ask challenging questions, search for realistic answers and strive for workable solutions that will translate words into action. Those interested can participate in one of two study circles, which will meet at two different Bristol locations. Meetings for the first study circle are scheduled for every Tuesday between September 8 and October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Conference Room on the upper level of the Bristol Public Library, located at 701 Goode Street, Bristol, VA. The YWCA, located at 106 State Street, Bristol, TN, will host the second study circle every Monday between September 14 and October 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both study circles are free and open to the public. Each study circle will be limited to twelve (12) participants in the interest of space and quality time. Pre-registration is required by calling Alice McCaffrey at 423-652-2392. Cancellations must be submitted in a timely fashion so that names on the waiting list can be utilized. Early registration is encouraged for this inclusive first-of-its-kind opportunity and experience in our area. ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Sally Crockett is a retired Senior English teacher. She has lived in Bristol since 1960. Walter Morton holds a Masters degree in Urban Policy and is a retired United States Postal Service employee. Alice McCaffrey has trained facilitators and has facilitated small and large discussion groups for over twenty years. She received Anti-Racism Training from the Regional YWCA in 2007. Mark Scott holds a Bachelors degree from ETSU. He is a retired Chief in the US Navy, where he supervised anti-discrimination and cultural/sexual awareness policies. ABOUT THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL TEAM The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Team was formed in 2006 under the organization and leadership of Wilhelmina S. Banks, to rename two former historical black streets, Railroad Street, renamed Spencer Street and then Randall Street Expressway in Bristol, VA; and Woodlawn Avenue, renamed Edgemont Avenue in Bristol, TN, to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. In 2007, following the successful renaming of the streets in honor of the esteemed civil rights, peace and social justice leader, the Team organized community events around the renaming. In 2008 it hosted a one-year anniversary commemoration of the renaming. For more information contact: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL TEAM 311 Lee Street, Bristol, VA 24201 Wilhelmina S. Banks, Chairperson (276) 669-4596; Alice McCaffrey, "Spotlight on Racism" project coordinator (423) 652-2392 webmaster@Bristol-MLKJr.org | |
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