Tuesday, 9 October 2012

[WardFive] Re: [ward5] A Round of Applause

Good Morning Matt,
 
Thanks.  It would be good to have your input.  Last night was indeed good.  In addidion to the 9 folks who showed up from the community, we had 2 others who sat in for most of the 2.5 hours of discussion who happened to just come into the cafe for some food and they also live in the community. Without putting names forth, the make up of those who attended were 4 Whites and 7 Blacks.  So the discussion was pretty diverse and everyone present was in agreement that Racism was a topic that needed to be discussed. 
 
It was great to have honest straight forward and open conversation and it was especially refreshing to know that we all had a similar goal of having this conversation.  One of the things I left with last night was how one White attendee stated that there are conversations that he is privy to that Blacks would never be and he knows his folks more than us and the plans that are being made. 
 
One Black young lady made a point that no one says to Jewish folks that they should move on from the Holucast but some have actually said that Slavery is over and it is time to move on. I thought that was profound. I never really thought about that.
 
Anyways, great meeting and so everyone knows, Robby and I sat next to each other the entire time and never even had a raised voice or harsh word between the two of us.  It was also interesting to find out that Robby and I shared the same feeling about the Street Cars and how not so important they are and that we already have a good Bus and Metro system.  
 
I close with this   ----   it is interesting that White folks gets so "offended" and sign off or tune out or kick me off a list serv for having to courage and taking the phisical and financial risk to say the things that I have but Blacks have never been able to sign off of from what has been said and done over the years -  Walking away isn't an option to everyone as there is nowhere to go -- Racism is all over and in almost every aspect of life.   Until we learn to identify with the constant daily battle of those in the community that racism is directed to, it will continue to affect all of us an seep into the next generation.  It is our duty to do what it takes to address all issues that comes across our doorstep/screens.
 
I hope to see many more folks at the next meeting. 
 
Rob Ramson
 
 
 


 
On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 8:42 AM, Matt Ashburn <matt@mattashburn.com> wrote:
Jerry & Rob,
 
I wasn't able to make it last night, as I had a dinner reservation with some company that was visiting.  However, it sounds like the meeting was constructive, and I wanted to pass along my sincere thanks for your efforts.  I'll try to make the next one, and I'm looking forward to it.
 
Matt


 
On Tue, Oct 9, 2012 at 6:58 AM, <jeromepeloquin@fastmail.fm> wrote:
 

Kudos to All... A group of nine concerned and engaged citizens of Ward 5 made their way to BCafe in time for the meeting to start, which it did at approximately at 6:30 PM I'm not publishing the list for privacy reasons, however I was impressed by both who turned up and who did not.  Even more impressive were the email received from those who wanted to come but could not make the time and date.  
 
Let me ask here and now.  If we set up another meeting would you want to attend?  We will gauge the resonse and act accordingly.Please accept our personal heartfelt appreciation for those intrepid souls who ventured down to the BCafe to wrestle with the demon of racism and bigotry ... It was a sincere, honest, and yet difficult exchange of ideas and opinions.  While we did not always agree, it was the consensus at the end of the 2 hour meeting that everyone had their say, everyone was heard, most important of all everyone was treated with respect and dignity.  Also thanks to Rob Ramson who hosted the event at the cafe (spinach dip included)
 
It went so well that the discussion ran well over the time expected.  This was an important step in the process.  We vented our concerns and issues and we did it with respect and consideration.   Now we need to focus and get better structure.  I would like to see a facilitator.  Someone who does not participate in the discussion but who keeps the meeting focused on the agreed upon format and topic.
 
Let us have your thoughts as well.
 
Jerry in Affirmation.
 
 
 
 
 

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