Using community-driven solutions to address divisive racial issues
0 likes1,268 views
In 2006, Lynchburg, VA, faced heightened racial tensions following the death of Clarence Beard Jr., prompting city leaders to engage the community in dialogues about racism and equity. The initiative, branded 'Many Voices – One Community,' has involved over 2,000 residents and resulted in improved diversity training, workforce inclusion, and the establishment of support groups and non-profits. These efforts have fostered a new understanding of racial issues among participants and ongoing action toward systemic change.
Using community-driven solutions to address divisive racial issues
- 1. Using community-driven solutions to address divisive racial issues In 2006, racial tensions rose among Lynchburg, Va., residents as a result of the death of Clarence Beard Jr., a black man who died in custody during a struggle with two white police officers. City leaders looked for a way to help residents grapple with issues of racism and racial equity in their increasingly diverse city. To make progress, they knew they needed to work together to address these racial tensions. With the community’s support, the city initiated the Community Dialogue on Race and Racism. To indicate their commitment to inclusion and systemic change, they renamed themselves “Many Voices – One Community.” Their efforts have involved more than 2,000 people in dialogues, action forums, and task forces. The new understanding and relationships that have formed continue to generate action. Plans are in place to expand the program in the faith community, schools, and local businesses. Their efforts have led to: Improved diversity training in the Lynchburg Police Department, the Criminal Justice Academy, and the City of Lynchburg. Efforts to bring more diversity to the workforce at the police department, and in local businesses and on boards and commissions in the city. The creation of a non-profit organization, Beacon of Hope, that provides support for all students to have access to resources in order to reduce the achievement gap. A Racial Support Group to help resolve institutional racial conflict. Citizen participation has become an established part of Lynchburg city government, used on issues ranging from policing to budgeting to planning. About Everyday Democracy A national leader in the field of civic participation and community change, Everyday Democracy helps people of different backgrounds and views talk and work together to create communities that work for everyone. www.everyday-democracy.org Participants gained a new understanding of how racism and racial equity affect them: “I think what struck me most was…all the different ways that we could evade the issue of racism and not want to acknowledge our own involvement,” one participant commented. “I think it unsettles us in a good way. I think it’s both terrifying and at the same time, welcoming.” Learn more by visiting http://bit.ly/manyvoices Participants gathered to hear action ideas generated by the dialogues