Racial Equity Subject of Zoom Talks Goal: Building Bridges for a stronger Stratford
by Stratford Citizens Addressing Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.).
A series of six Conversations on Racial Equity began on Thursday, November 5th via the Zoom platform. The new series is presented by Stratford C.A.R.E (Citizens Addressing Racial Equity) and sponsored by the Town of Stratford, the Stratford Clergy Association, The Stratford Rotary Club and the Stratford Library. The program is free and open to the public.
Led by trained facilitators from Raising the BAR, a program of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, the goal of the program is to make people come together to make Stratford stronger and healthier for all. The use of thought-provoking videos, articles and podcasts about how racism has shaped our environment were discussed.
Participants also worked in small groups to discuss how to unite to take action, heal divides and make a difference in Stratford. The series began with “Starting Point: Implicit Bias”. Participants were encouraged to watch a short video, “Peanut Butter & Jelly Racism”, before the meeting that introduced the concept of implicit bias. Minor glitches occurred (some of those who signed up for the series were not able to get in the Zoom meeting) and minor issues with the opening video for the meeting, a Ted Talk by Verna Myers, a Diversity Advocate, in 2014, were quickly addressed.
Participants were then broken out into “working” groups. There were 12 of us including a facilitator. We were able to interact with each other and hold meaningful discussions. (Who knew you could do that on Zoom?)
The remaining programs in the series include: “Housing Disparities” on December 3; “Health Disparities” (January 7, 2021); “Educational Disparities” (February 4); “Employment Disparities” (March 4); and “Criminal Justice Disparities” (April 1). It is not necessary to attend every session in order to take part in the series.
To register for the free conversation series visit: www.stratfordcare.org/courage.
