Bold black headlines dominating the front pages of our nation’s newspapers record increasing racist and hate crime incidents since the election of our first African-American President, Barack Obama. The alarming surge in discrimination, injustices, racist messages, hate graffiti, cartoons, jokes, sexism, ageism, homophobia, religious persecution, and hate group activity, including violence and death, is another Rorschach inkblot on the world's stage.
Racism affects us all in some way, individuality, collectively or institutionally. In this Twitter-messaging, "post-racial" era of instant worldwide news, the blatant old-boy and stagnant blood racist-stained domination is exposed for the world to see. How can it so blatantly continue? Can our economy afford it? How does it affect our position in the world? New attitudes and actions are a must, beginning with addressing the denial of equal justice to the very air we breathe, i.e., environmental racism.
Perhaps better stated was the bold printed headline in a local newspaper article of November 6, 2008, "Old Virginny is dead". The tide of change cannot, should not and will not be held back. It is incumbent upon each of us to assume the responsibility for altering the intolerable situation of overt and covert racism in our community and our nation. We will either ride the waves of change or drown in the sea of hate.
It is with and in humble prayer that I stand and personally ask that we are given the courage to stand up, speak up and speak out in love for human and equal rights, peace and justice for all human beings. How and where does it start on our level? It starts with awareness and acknowledgment of the horrible injustice of enslavement and its continuing residual damage. With this first courageous step, one is perhaps more receptive to furthering dialogue and understanding. The next, even bolder step is action.
In light of the resurgence of racism, the diversified membership of 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.
Granted, talking about racism is not comfortable or easy. Silence is even more frightening. Dr. King once said, "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people".
An opportunity for the good people in our region is presented to come together in a study circle under the guidance of professionally trained facilitators in a neutral and comfortable setting, and dialogue in the language and words with which you are comfortable. You will be able to share your personal experiences, respectfully and attentively listen to others, ask challenging questions, search for realistic answers and strive for workable solutions that will translate words into action.
This is a "Call to Action".
The first group of the Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial Team’s "Spotlight on Racism" Study Circle is scheduled for every Tuesday between September 8 and October 13, at the Conference Room on the upper level of the Bristol Public Library, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The YWCA will host the second group of the Study Circle every Monday between September 14 and October 19, again from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Study Circle is 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 423-652-2392. A cancellation 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.
For more information, call 276-669-4596 or 423-652-2392.