BRIDGES ACROSS RACIAL POLARIZATION
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Get to know people from other races whom they might not otherwise meet |
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Increase their awareness and understanding of racial issues |
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Provide a sounding board for one another regarding challenging and divisive issues |
Because racial balance is essential to the program’s goals, partcipants who sign up may not be immediately placed in a group. FOCUS welcomes new groups that have formed on their own and will provide all groups with program orientation materials. FOCUS may also be contracted to provide schools, organizations and companies with more extensive Bridges orientation and various training sessions.
Participants commit to attending all group gatherings and serve as either co-hosts or attendees. Co-hosts coordinate group meetings and serve as the group’s central contacts. All attendees contribute to the group process by being active participants in addition to bringing refreshments or hosting gatherings in their homes.
Started in 1993 by two Leadership St. Louis® alumni, Bridges was recognized in May 2002 as a "Solution for America" by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, one of 19 initiatives from across the country to be honored.
For more information on joining a Bridges group or contract services, contact Nikki Weinstein at (314) 622-1250 x102.
Click here to fill out the Bridges Registration Form.
Additional Resources
Tools for Conversations on Race
The Hermitage
Recently, one of our Bridges Steering Committee Members, Dan Schesch, visited Andrew Jackson's plantation home, The Hermitage. He shares with us his photos and thoughts about how slavery is portrayed at this historic site. What are your thoughts on how our history of race relations is displayed in historic and tourist locations? Have you visited this one or others?
SCOTUS Blog
The Supreme Court of the United States is posting a special series on its blog throughout February. "Our goal is to reflect on the lasting impact the Supreme Court has had on race, both in law and in American society. In light of Black History Month, many of our contributors focus on the Court’s historical impact on the black community. The topics reflect diverse and sometimes divergent views, opinions, attitudes, and assumptions." This is sure to give your Bridges group much to talk about! Click here for the link.
War for Your Soul
Watch this 20 minute film that is spreading virally online. On March 15, 2009 filmmaker Reginald Bullock released the short film "A War For Your Soul" over the internet. In 7 months, the film has been viewed by over 2.5 million people from all over the world. While originally targeted towards at-risk African American youth, it opens discussion for all of us to the question, “What is my role in my community?”
Racial Equity Tools
A web site designed to support people and groups who are working for inclusion, racial equity and social justice. The site includes ideas, strategies, and tips as well as a clearinghouse of resources and links from many sources. www.racialequitytools.org.
The Riverfront Times asks:
Why is St. Louis Never Ranked as a Progressive City? Is it Because We're Too Black? The question is based on the writings of an urban affairs blogger who examined mid-sized cities usually considered "hip" and compared them to census statistics. What do you think?
Searching for Whitopia
This new book, by author Rich Benjamin, lists every city and county in the U.S. that is"whiter than the nation, its respective region, and its state." He calls these enclaves "Whitopias." Listen to an NPR interview with the author and read a provacative excerpt from the book here. Perhaps your next Bridges meeting could be a book discussion.
Race, Frankly
The St. Louis Beacon, a nonprofit online news publication, has partnered with KETC Channel 9 and the Missouri History Museum to create a yearlong series of events, in-depth articles and video pieces. FOCUS St. Louis is happy to be a partner on this provocative project. The St. Louis Beacon web site offers many articles and information on event opportunities to spark discussion in Bridges groups. Also, you can sign up to be a source for news stories through their Public Insight Network.
Upcoming Events
Black History Month
There are many great events going on throughout February in honor of Black History Month. Listed below are a few links for what is happening.
Race: Are We So Different?
Race is a powerful concept that shapes how one sees others and is seen by others, yet the public poorly understands what race is, and inherent assumptions and misconceptions about race affect scientific and scholarly research. To clarify what race is and what race isn’t, the American Anthropological Association (AAA), with its sections, members and other science and humanities organizations, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, developed an interactive museum exhibition, RACE: Are We So Different?, that allows visitors to learn the history of race, the role of science in that history and the subtle and obtrusive expressions of race and racism in institutions and daily lives. The exhibit opens January 16 and runs through April 4 at the Missouri History Museum.
The Museum is also offering a full calendar of special events related to the exhibit including lectures, film screenings, theatrical performances, and dialogue sessions.