Page 23 - BigConversationsDismantlingRacism

Joyce Freeland, the NAACP Presidents, both past and present; Kirsti Uunila, the county’s
Historic Preservation specialist; and Sandy Walker, the Supervisor of Equity and School
Improvement for Calvert Public Schools) shared their personal experiences of race.

After the presentations, we broke up
into 13 small groups of 10 to 25
people. Conversations focused upon
White privilege and racism and what
is being done or not being done to
address it. Dialogue was supported
by 17 facilitators, mostly from CMC
Calvert and St. Mary’s. Three
committee members co-facilitated
with our mediators.

After the small group conversations, we gathered together and each group shared the
highlights of their discussion. Here are a few of the comments regarding establishing
common ground toward dismantling racism in Southern Maryland:

o The power of our stories and hearing each other’s stories make us aware of
what we didn’t know. We don’t know what we don’t know.
o We need to build relationships to overcome.
o We need to understand and correct history, elevate African American leaders
in history. Be proud of African American history.
o We have to be proactive in changing the systemic and personal racism.
o We need more diversity in the police and local schools. Role models are
important.
o Interpersonal, intentional engagement toward building better, more equitable
community.

Middleham and St. Peter’s published the Building Bridges Resource Guide and it was
distributed to the 200 people who participated in the Big Conversation. It is updated and
revised periodically by CMCC.

In addition, many of the participants wanted to know “What’s next?”

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