“Reconciliation in Action” Forum on Faith and Race Tuesday, May 29

PRESS RELEASE

The Baptist Ministers Union Of Asheville and Surrounding Counties, Dr. L. C. Ray, President and Christians for a United Community, Deacon Tyrone Greenlee, Executive Director, announce:

“Reconciliation in Action: Moving from Sunday to Monday” 

The Baptist Ministers’ Union of Asheville and Surrounding Counties and the Christians for a United Community, Inc., in support of the YWCA Stand Against Racism movement, invite the public to a forum presented by the faith community on race and race relations. The Forum is entitled “Reconciliation in Action: Moving from Sunday to Monday!” It will take place on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston Street, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

There will be a panel discussion from seasoned pastors within our community and an opportunity for the community to ask questions of our faith leaders. The panelists will be Reverend Phyllis Martin, Dr. Jim McCoy, Dr. John H. Grant and Father James Abbott. All are encouraged to come out and hear how the faith community is responding to race and race relations in our community.

Thank you,

Dr. L. C. Ray, President
Baptist Ministers Union of Asheville and Surrounding Counties

Tyrone Greenlee, Executive Director
Christians for a United Community

MLK Association Joins YWCA Stand Against Racism with Forum on “Race & the Ballot Box”

Press Release from the MLK Association:

As part of the YWCA’s third annual Stand Against Racism program in April, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County will host a public forum on “Race & the Ballot Box” to discuss progress and setbacks in minority access to the ballot box during the past half century—and the possibility that access will be compromised by new “Voter ID” laws and recent redistricting in North Carolina. The forum, which is nonpartisan, free, and open to the public, will take place from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30 at Westwood Baptist Church at 150 Westwood Place in West Asheville.

The panel will be comprised of John Hayes, chairman of the NAACP, Asheville Branch, and a veteran of voter registration drives; Rev. Spencer Hardaway, pastor of Rock Hill Baptist Church and an active member of the U.S. Army Reserves; Nelda Holder, a board member of the League of Women Voters and former opinion editor of the Mountain Xpress newspaper; Urban News publisher Johnnie Grant, who in the 1990s was one of the first state-certified elections administrators in North Carolina; and Dr. George Peery, retired professor of political science from Mars Hill College. The panel will be moderated by Kyle Simmons, a longtime member of the MLK Association’s Prayer Breakfast planning committee.

The forum will review recent and upcoming moves in the NC Legislature that have changed the duration and locations of early voting options around the state; created new voting districts for a variety of offices that will cause some precincts in Buncombe County to have as many as two dozen different ballots; and could cause many older, low-income, and minority voters who lack state-issued voter identity cards and cannot afford to pay for them to find their ballot access more restricted or difficult to retain.

Co-sponsors of the event, in addition to the YWCA Stand Against Racism, are the League of Women Voters of Asheville & Buncombe County; the Urban News; and Westwood Baptist Church.

For more information about the forum and the MLK Association, visit the MLK website at www.MLKAsheville.orgor call Oralene Simmons, chairperson, at 828-281-1624. For more details about the YWCA’s STAND Against Racism, visit www.ywcastand.org.

Latino Education in NC Forum This Thursday, April 26

YWCA Stand Against Racism Event:

Latino Education in Western North Carolina: Challenges & Solutions
Thursday, April 26, 2012, 7:00 pm-9:0o pm
MAHEC Auditorium, 121 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC

You are cordially invited to a Community Forum on Latino Education in Western North Carolina: Challenges & Solutions. This two hour forum will feature expert and student panel presenters. Light refreshments and an opportunity for networking will follow. You may register for this FREE event at the door or by emailing Rachelw@hiponline.org.

Stand Against Racism Events

Several 2012 Stand Against Racism events have already happened, but there are still a lot to come. We hope you can attend one of these events:

Tuesday, April 24, 7 pm, Warren Wilson College, Sage Cafe
“Racism: I Can Fix it” presentation.

Wednesday, April 25, 7 pm, Warren Wilson College, Sage Cafe
Meta Commerce will read from her poetry collection, “Rainsongs:  Poems of a Woman’s Life.” This reading will also include the words and works of one or two more student poets of color.

Thursday, April 26, noon, First Baptist Church of Asheville
Lunch for the homeless and hungry.

Thursday, April 26, 3:00 pm, Delta House After School
Program by the Asheville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Thursday, April 26, 7 pm, MAHEC Health Education Center
“Latino Education in North Carolina: Challenges & Solutions.” Hosted by the Hispanics in Philanthropy, the Community Foundation of WNC and Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council.

Friday, April 27, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Buncombe Co. Health & Human Services
Exhibit all week. Discussion groups around the Roma people – Gypsies. How do we define Community? Identity? Heritage? What forces do we put on other people to conform to our norms? Our Culture? Facilitated by Lisa Eby.

Friday, April 27, 9 am, Firestorm Bookstore & Cafe
Evergreen Community Charter School students will read their original poems about civil rights and race relations.

Friday, April 27, 10 am, Jewish Community Center
Jewish Family Services of WNC and the Jewish Community Center presentation of Jewish community “Stand Against Racism” puzzle created by participants from JCC Shalom Children’s Center, Just Kids Afterschool Enrichment, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth HaTephila, Chabad House and Jewish Family Service Elder Day Club.

Friday, April 27, 12:15 pm, MANNA’s Volunteer Center
MANNA FoodBank and the NC Center for Health and Wellness at UNC Asheville present a lunchtime panel and conversation about  race, food access, and the long term health effects of food insecurity.

Friday, April 27, 12:40 pm, Isaac Dickson to Pack Park
Isaac Dickson students march to Pack Park for a program at the Park at 1:15 pm.

Friday, April 27, 2:00 pm, Mission Hospital
Sharon West presentation on Health Disparities in the Glenn Theater. www.missionhospitals.org

Friday, April 27, 5:00 pm, Firestorm Books & Cafe
“Reflections on Race: The Color of Fear.” Screening and discussion of this documentary about race relations.

Saturday, April 28, Noon, Pritchard Park
Stand Against Racism Rally hosted by the Jubilee! Community

Saturday, April 28, 1:00 pm, First Congregational UCC
Collaborative Art Project hosted by Blue Ridge Pride. We’ll be uniting with other local groups to create an art collaboration exhibiting the diversity of the LGBTQ community of WNC. There will also be round table discussions on race and how diversity plays a role in greater society in regards to social issues. www.blueridgepride.com

Saturday, April 28, 3:00 pm, Pritchard Park
Occupy Asheville will pause to mark the Stand Against Racism. Together we’ll read parts of the Stand Against Racism Purpose Statement and also our own Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples Resolution. If you have ideas for agenda items related to anti-racism please contact facilitation@occupyasheville.org, so that we can incorporate them into the agenda.

Sunday, April 29, 8:00 am, Cloud Cottage Community of Mindful Living
Discussion following the service in the tea room.

Sunday, April 29, 11:00 am, Kenilworth Presbyterian Church
We will be incorporating our Stand Against Racism event into our Sunday worship service. We will have special readings, meditations and great music! We welcome all to join us.

Sunday, April 29, 5 pm, Circle of Mercy Congregation
Day of Solidarity with Colombia. The US is deeply complicit in Colombia’s decade-long civil war, which has displaced some 5 million people, the worst such humanitarian crisis in the world. Attention to Colombia touches on all three of what Dr. King called the “giant triplets” of racism, materialism and militarism.

Sunday, April 29, 1:00 pm, Carver Center in Black Mountain
Youth STARS (Stand Against Racism Sunday). Interactive program for high school students.

Sunday, April 29, 11 am, Burgermeisters
15% of all proceeds this day with go to the YWCA Stand Against Racism.

Sunday, April 29, 8pm, French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Just for Us All will lead a solution-oriented discussion of “the exclusion of non-whites in the LGBQT movement locally and nationally.”

Monday, April 30, 7:00 pm, Westwood Baptist Church
“Race and the Ballot Box” Forum hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, the Urban News, and the League of Women Voters.

May 3-6 and 11-13, various times, Asheville High School
The Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective presents A Lesson Before Dying. www.differentstrokesavl.com

Deepening the Stand Against Racism

Asheville, NC has significant racial disparities. Our population is 17.6% African American and about 3.8% Latino.  However, our public school system is about 38% African American and 5% Latino. Walking around in the downtown area or going to restaurants and entertainment venues, one hardly ever sees any people of color. Often newcomers to the area ask “where are all the black people?” People who have lived in other cities are often shocked by the inequality here.

Like many other cities during the 50s and 60s, Asheville experience urban renewal. During this process, historically African American neighborhoods were dismantled, and many blacks were moved into public housing developments, essentially creating ghettos of poverty. This was deeply traumatic to the communities it affected. The process of integrating the schools in the late 60s and early 70s was also traumatic.  Today there is not much of a black middle class – 57% of African Americans in our community live in poverty. With this in mind, the programs we have established as part of the Stand Against Racism have focused on making the community more welcoming to people of color, looking at the issues facing the remaining middle class black neighborhoods, and raising awareness about the challenges faced in the educational system.

Asheville has been an active participant in the YWCA’s nationwide Stand Against Racism, having the largest number of participating groups of any community in the U.S. last year.  Each group participated in its own way.  Some businesses put up signs and had staff wear buttons, youth serving organizations involved their young people in activities to raise awareness of racism and non-profits held meetings with staff where they discussed how racism impacts their work. The City of Asheville led on a tour of downtown sites of historic importance to people of color. There were public forums and video screenings and tabling from organizations which provide services to address racial disparities.  We had a gathering of people in one of the remaining middle class African-American neighborhoods to bring together the new young white homeowners with the long term black homeowners.

This year the Asheville YWCA stepped up its efforts. Not only did we make additions to what we were doing for April 27, but we also held events throughout the year to address specific issues. In October we supported a forum for the candidates for city council to share their perspectives on how issues being faced by the African American community could be better addressed. In February we supported a panel discussion of race and the church.  And, as part of this year’s events, we are supporting a forum on the challenges facing Latino students in the educational system.

In addition, we added an action component: workshops on how to assess common spaces. This investigation into what makes a space welcoming (or not) brought together people from a wide range of organizations. There will be a survey to determine what changes participants are making in their buildings as a result of the workshop.  We hope to be able to report to the community significant changes in the common spaces in our community.

The Stand Against Racism in Asheville has been able to do all of these things because it is a coalition of groups in the community which address the common issue of racism.  As these groups work together to bring forward the concerns we each have we have been able to coordinate our efforts and combine our resources to involve the most participants possible.  By using various modalities, theater, videos, forums, marches, speak outs, etc. we have been able to provide a multitude of ways that awareness can be raised and changes take place, as well as providing a variety of opportunities for people to continue their involvement throughout the year.

The author of this post, Kathryn Liss, is the volunteer coordinator for the Asheville Stand Against Racism.  She is formerly the Director of Training for The Mediation Center of Asheville and a former member of the board of Building Bridges of Asheville.

Building Bridges, Asheville Community Theatre, YWCA Stand Against Racism to hold “To Kill A Mockingbird” Community Talkback

Building Bridges of Asheville will facilitate a community talkback session, following the Sunday, April 22nd matinee performance of the American classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” at Asheville Community Theatre.

Directed by Ralph Redpath, the play tells the complicated story of race relations in a small Alabama town in the year 1935. The production features an exceptional cast, including Building Bridges Executive Director, Rev. Aubra Love cast as Calpurnia. The entire community is invited to attend the performance, beginning at 2:30 pm, and all are encouraged to participate in the dialogue session.

Building Bridges of Asheville was established in 1993, and seeks to enable the Asheville community to confront and overcome racism through compelling dialogue, community building, and opportunities for social action. Building Bridges offers nine-week seminars each spring and fall, as well as providing diversity training and consultation to organizations. The Building Bridges Scholars Program awards four-year scholarships to two qualified high school seniors from Asheville City and/or Buncombe County public schools each year. For more information visit buildingbridges-asheville.org.

The Building Bridges community talkback is part of the Asheville community’s participation in the YWCA Stand Against Racism, a partnership of over 70 YWCA Associations throughout the country with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life to raise awareness that racism still exists and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. For more information visit www.ywcastand.org.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” opens on Friday, April 20, and will run through Sunday, May 6 with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm.  The Building Bridges community talkback will be held immediately following the Sunday, April 22 matinee performance of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Tickets are $22/adults; $19/seniors & college students; $12 for children under 17.  Rush tickets may be available 30 minutes before showtime for $11.  Tickets are available online, over the phone, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office. For more information visit http://www.ashevilletheatre.org/?p=540

Stand Against Racism Events at UNCA This Week

From the Center for Diversity Education:

The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA that aims to eliminate racism by raising awareness through its annual event.

Organizations across the United States are invited to become Participating Sites by hosting their own “Stand.” Individuals are then invited to join any of the “Stands,” where hundreds of thousands of people will take a Stand Against Racism across the country.

The Following Stand Against Racism Events are Scheduled at UNC-Asheville:

April 16–19:
Visit the residency halls, Writing Center, or the Intercultural Center to create your rant and sign up for a time to rant your rant about race or take the pledge against racism on the Library Steps. Email writingcenter@unca.edu for more information.

Friday, April 20
All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted

Interior Design Against Racism
Intercultural Center 114 Highsmith Student Union – 9:00 – 10:00
Deborah Miles will lead a workshop on developing skills to assess, create, and build spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all.

Walk Against Racism
Outdoor track (If rain, indoor track) – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Walk with the Campus Recreation and the Student Activities departments to take a Stand Against Racism. Walk a minimum of 15 minutes on the UNC Asheville outdoor track. Email recreation@unca.edu to register. Participants will receive a bookmark with the Stand Against Racism pledge to affirm their personal and professional commitment to justice.

Rant Against Racism
Steps of Ramsey Library – 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Not to Sound Racist but……
Intercultural Center (114 HSU) – 12:40 pm – 3:00 pm
A workshop on racism and whiteness for UNC Asheville students facilitated by Reid Drake and Kyja Wilburn-Hyde. Students (only) may register by emailing rdrake@unca.edu.

Seeds of Change: Learning About and Addressing Racism
Center for Health and Wellness (460 Sherrill Center) - All day
University and community members who visit the Health and Wellness Center will receive a packet of flower seeds and a copy of A Gardener’s Tale, an allegory about how racism contributes to health disparities and what we can do about it.

To register additional activities visit www.ywcastand.org or email dmiles@unca.edu

Note: the national Stand Against Racism observance is held on April 27. UNC Asheville moved the date a week early to avoid final exams.

Stand Against Racism by Attending a Free Workshop

As part of the 2012 YWCA Stand Against Racism, the Center for Diversity Education is offering three Common Spaces workshops at no cost to participants. This is a great way for your group to participate in the Stand. If you have questions, call Ami Worthen at 254-7206 x 203.

Common Spaces Workshop Description:

When a customer or employee walks into your place of business, house of worship, school, or community center do they feel welcomed? At this hour long participatory workshop, participants will learn to assess a space for visual images, accessibility, and historical cues to create a welcoming climate for a wider more inclusive community. Deborah Miles, Diversity Education Instructor, will take the group through a hands-on activity to evaluate a space. We encourage you to take the tool back to your space and conduct your own evaluation.

Dates, Times, Places:

Wednesday, March 21, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
At the Chamber of Commerce
36 Montford Avenue

Thursday, April 5, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
At the YWCA of Asheville
185 S. French Broad Ave.
RSVP (not required) to 254-7206 x 203

Friday, April 20, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
UNCA Intercultural Center
114 Highsmith Student Union

A Conversation About Race and Faith in Asheville

This is an important opportunity for conversation about race and faith in Asheville.  It is being presented in conjunction with the YWCA Stand Against Racism.

Announcement

In honor and recognition of Black History Month, the Baptist Ministers’ Union of Asheville and  Surrounding Counties and the Christians for a United Community, Inc. would like to invite you to a forum presented by the faith community on race and race relations. The Forum is entitled, “Reconciling the Most Segregated Time in America.” There will be a panel discussion from seasoned pastors within our community and an opportunity for the community to ask questions of our faith leaders. The panelists will be Reverend Mark Siler, Reverend Spencer Hardaway, Dr. John H. Grant and Father Jim Abbott. This forum will take place on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. All are encouraged to come out and hear how the faith community is responding to race and race relations in our community.

Thank you,

L. C. Ray, President
Baptist Ministers Union of Asheville and Surrounding Counties

Tyrone Greenlee, Executive Director
Christians for a United Community

Join the 2012 Stand Against Racism!

The YWCA of Asheville invites the community to participate in the third annual “Stand Against Racism.” The Stand Against Racism is a program of the YWCA aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. Events will be held during April. A focus of this year’s Stand is “Common Spaces,” and trainings will be offered on how to make common spaces more welcoming. Details about these trainings and other planned events will be posted at www.ywcastand.org.

“Today, the YWCA of Asheville is calling on all local organizations, corporations, churches and other houses of worship, government agencies and individuals in Buncombe County to join with us by becoming a participating site of the 2012 Stand Against Racism,” announced Ami Worthen, YWCA Marketing Director. “Any group of any size that believes in a society free of racism is invited to join us.” Last year Asheville had 159 participating sites, the most of any YWCA in the country.

Any organization or group of individuals can become a participating site by signing up through the Stand Against Racism Web site: www.ywcastand.org.  A participating group can host a Stand Against Racism event at their own location, or can attend another Stand event or training. Participation in the Stand Against Racism is free and becoming a participating site is very simple. The YWCA will provide materials to guide the process. Each organization’s “stand” will range from gatherings at work to larger scale stands like rallies and marches. No matter what shape the “stand” takes in each participating site, all activities will echo the theme “racism is unacceptable.” Organizations are urged to visit www.ywcastand.org to join this important movement.

The persistence and pervasiveness of racism divides our community and keeps individuals from achieving success in education, economics, employment, and quality of life. Strength comes from numbers.