Page 51 - BigConversationsDismantlingRacism

Churches have an important role. People of faith have a particular responsibility to oppose
and dismantle racism. Church is a good place to start the discussion.

Creating Opportunities for honest exchange. Create small diverse group opportunities
where people can share their stories and be listened to without judgement and work together
to benefit the community.

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. Racism is familiar, but
awareness of White privilege is not.
Activism – both personal and organizational. There is too much talk and not enough action.
Individually we should train ourselves to speak out against bias and racism and seek out
opportunities for engagement to do so.

We need better communication, especially about 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. A
clearinghouse would be good.
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The Bridges list – The packet “Building Bridges” was shared at the January 14 session. It
is a start at listing Southern Maryland resources for dismantling racism. We should work
together to expand it.
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This Big Conversation VI 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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