“I encourage you to expand your connections to a diverse group of people, ask questions, listen to their stories, struggles and challenges,” says Maria Gonzalez, CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro.
“Committing to the five community practices also allows me to be a part of something greater. I know that I am not alone in administering these practices,” says Charisse Hart, CEO of Ready for School, Ready for Life.
Join us for The 8:46 Series for an in-depth look at systemic racism. It will take a sustained, collective effort across all sectors to create real change.
“If people can invite others to follow these practices, or teach their children these practices, the future for civil dialogue and developing solutions to difficult problems will be brighter.”
“My advice is to begin – to just do it – and engage in this way. Engaging one conversation at a time can make practicing become a habit.”
To understand the problem with a one-sided history and its implications, let’s take a moment to travel to our childhoods.
Malachi McMillan went to ANYTOWN in 2019. He just graduated from Southwest Guilford High School and will attend UNC-Charlotte in the fall of 2021. Here’s what Malachi had to say about ANYTOWN and how it shaped his senior year and college plans.
Black lives matter. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Tony McDade. Ahmaud Arbery. We speak their names. We are outraged and grieving for them. To those who are hurting, who are raising your voices in protest and actively fighting back against oppression: we see and support you. Black Lives Matter. Today and every day.
If we can’t talk to each other with civility and respect, we won’t be able to find the common ground we need to live and work together. Here’s why we’re asking you to sign your name to the community practices in NCCJ’s new Open Minds, Respectful Voices initiative.
COVID-19 isn’t affecting everyone equally. We must work together to achieve a comprehensive, inclusive, and equitable response that addresses the root causes of these inequities and engages those who are most impacted.