Page 2 - Executive Summary - BC VI

The data is overwhelming – Most of the audience had no idea that 25 percent of the people in the world
who are incarcerated are incarcerated in the U.S., although the U.S. has just 5% of the world's population.
A highly disproportionate number are African American males.

Uncovering the facts. Hearing these stories and understanding the data is critical to dismantling racism.

The January 14 Big Conversation:
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Need for the truth. The need for a full and accurate history of slavery and racism - a fact-based history in
Calvert and Southern Maryland – for students and adults. We want to celebrate Black history around our
own communities.

Racism continues to exist. Issues of racism in our communities are real and current – not in the past.

Taking responsibility. We all should take action when racism is happening – not be silent.

Leadership is critical - Leadership needs to be inclusive, moral and motivated, and have the courage to
address racism.

There are continuing racial disparities – Including continuing disparities in hiring – teachers, police,
health and business to name a few. How can we address this?

We need to come together more. How can we come together? SMILE and the Middleham and St. Peter’s
food drop are good examples.

Whites need to talk to one another racism – There needs to be an honest consideration of White privilege.
It is too easy to not be aware of racism as a White person. Black people experience racism – small and
large – nearly every day of their lives.

There are good initiatives going on. We should be doing a much better job of sharing what is happening
in the county and Southern Maryland to dismantle racism. What is happening in the school system is a
good example.

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The Bridges list – The packet “Building Bridges” was shared at the January 14 session. It is a great start
at listing Southern Maryland resources for dismantling racism. We need to work together to expand it.

Note:

Gathering to plan next steps - All attendees are invited to come to a pot luck supper and program entitled
“Dismantling Racism: Now What?” on Sunday February 25 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Middleham and St.
Peter’s Parish Hall, 10210 H.G. Trueman Rd. Lusby.

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The Big Conversation is sponsored by Middleham & St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in partnership
with Calvert NAACP, St. Mary’s NAACP, Calvert Library, the Community Mediation Centers of
Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, the College of Southern Maryland, and the Concerned Black
Women of Calvert Co.

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