Community Conversations on Race

Local, Norfolk, Race 1 Minute

Norfolk United logoAs previously mentioned, Norfolk United Facing Race proposed a series of community conversations on race, reconciliation and responsibility. The schedule for the conversations has been released. The two-hour sessions will be held as follows:

  • Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Trinity Word of Faith Baptist Church, 2808 Ballentine Blvd.
  • Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Bayview United Church of Christ, 1051 E. Bayview Blvd.
  • Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. YWCA 5215 Colley Avenue
  • Sunday, April 29 from 2-4 p.m. Temple Israel, 7255 Granby Street

These conversations are a first step in the process of building relationships across racial lines, creating trust and generating the political will necessary for real change. The next step would be for some, if not all, of the attendees to participate in the 12-hour dialogue groups that Norfolk United Facing Race will be hosting beginning in May.

RSVPs for the sessions are preferred, since racial balance in the sessions is one of the goals. Call 857-1794 for more info.

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8 thoughts on “Community Conversations on Race”

  1. I love when there are conversations about “race”. Lets be honest.. These are conversations about blacks and whites (Even the logo implies as much).

    Last time I checked there are more than two races in Amercia and the African American community is no longer the largest minority anymore.

    (Largest minority… Yeah, that term seems weird, I know, but you know what I mean)

  2. I love it how everyone wants to ignore the fact that we have unresolved issues of race between blacks and whites in this country, based on our shared history, but instead wants to focus on all of the other “races” that do not share the history.

    In this area, the issues are black and white, not white and Hispanic, or white and Asian, or white and Native American. The same cannot be said for other areas, I acknowledge that. But none of those other groups in this area are the largest minority by any means. (Heck, combined they are not the largest minority here.) So to ignore the source of the problem – black and white – is to miss the forest.

    This is why I often call “diversity” diversion: because it gives folks an out to ignore the problem at hand.

  5. “In this area, the issues are black and white, not white and Hispanic, or white and Asian, or white and Native American.”
    I agree, so why not say that is what it is? Instead titles like “Race” and “diversity ” are used.

    How can expect an honest conversation when the topic title is not honest.

    And, MB, uh no. I live in Virginia Beach and we don’t have race issues here 🙂 (That was sarcasm for those who are slow… or named MB)

    🙂

  6. I never said diversity. When you say “race” around here, you are saying black and white. Why say three words when everyone knows what the one means?

  7. Oh thank you Squeak. I really appreciate your helpful explanations. Whoever said that PR requires a special level of vapidity was surely wrong.

    Since you’re feeling so helpful, Squeak, why don’t you go to one of these and report on it? Only good could come of it, I’m sure. You can share with us what they’re doing wrong, and maybe (just maybe) you could learn something from them.

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