BRIDGES ACROSS RACIAL POLARIZATION
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Get to know people from other races whom they might not otherwise meet |
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Increase their awareness and understanding of racial issues |
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Provide a sounding board for one another regarding challenging and divisive issues |
Because racial balance is essential to the program’s goals, partcipants who sign up may not be immediately placed in a group. FOCUS welcomes new groups that have formed on their own and will provide all groups with program orientation materials. FOCUS may also be contracted to provide schools, organizations and companies with more extensive Bridges orientation and various training sessions.
Participants commit to attending all group gatherings and serve as either co-hosts or attendees. Co-hosts coordinate group meetings and serve as the group’s central contacts. All attendees contribute to the group process by being active participants in addition to bringing refreshments or hosting gatherings in their homes.
Started in 1993 by two Leadership St. Louis® alumni, Bridges was recognized in May 2002 as a "Solution for America" by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change, one of 19 initiatives from across the country to be honored.
For more information on joining a Bridges group or contract services, contact Nikki Weinstein at (314) 622-1250 x102.
Click here to fill out the Bridges Registration Form.
Additional Resources
Tools for Conversations on Race
The Hermitage
Recently, one of our Bridges Steering Committee Members, Dan Schesch, visited Andrew Jackson's plantation home, The Hermitage. He shares with us his photos and thoughts about how slavery is portrayed at this historic site. What are your thoughts on how our history of race relations is displayed in historic and tourist locations? Have you visited this one or others?
SCOTUS Blog
The Supreme Court of the United States is posting a special series on its blog throughout February. "Our goal is to reflect on the lasting impact the Supreme Court has had on race, both in law and in American society. In light of Black History Month, many of our contributors focus on the Court’s historical impact on the black community. The topics reflect diverse and sometimes divergent views, opinions, attitudes, and assumptions." This is sure to give your Bridges group much to talk about! Click here for the link.
War for Your Soul
Watch this 20 minute film that is spreading virally online. On March 15, 2009 filmmaker Reginald Bullock released the short film "A War For Your Soul" over the internet. In 7 months, the film has been viewed by over 2.5 million people from all over the world. While originally targeted towards at-risk African American youth, it opens discussion for all of us to the question, “What is my role in my community?”
Racial Equity Tools
A web site designed to support people and groups who are working for inclusion, racial equity and social justice. The site includes ideas, strategies, and tips as well as a clearinghouse of resources and links from many sources. www.racialequitytools.org.
The Riverfront Times asks:
Why is St. Louis Never Ranked as a Progressive City? Is it Because We're Too Black? The question is based on the writings of an urban affairs blogger who examined mid-sized cities usually considered "hip" and compared them to census statistics. What do you think?
Searching for Whitopia
This new book, by author Rich Benjamin, lists every city and county in the U.S. that is"whiter than the nation, its respective region, and its state." He calls these enclaves "Whitopias." Listen to an NPR interview with the author and read a provacative excerpt from the book here. Perhaps your next Bridges meeting could be a book discussion.
Race, Frankly
The St. Louis Beacon, a nonprofit online news publication, has partnered with KETC Channel 9 and the Missouri History Museum to create a yearlong series of events, in-depth articles and video pieces. FOCUS St. Louis is happy to be a partner on this provocative project. The St. Louis Beacon web site offers many articles and information on event opportunities to spark discussion in Bridges groups. Also, you can sign up to be a source for news stories through their Public Insight Network.
Upcoming Events
Globe Shaped
June 25 thru August 20
The St. Louis Artists Guild presents the exhibit "Globe Shaped," exploring the definition of diversity and how varying perspectives impact our decisions both as artists and people.
So Reel Topic- “White Privilege”
July 29, 5:30pm
Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center
YWCA Metro St. Louis
It's the next YWCA Metro St. Louis Racial Justice Speaker Series' topic. Presenter Rob Good, a teacher and advocate for racial justice, will lead a discussion on a topic that is not easy to explore, but important to understanding how "privilege" impacts equal... access and opportunities in our communities.
Ivory Perry Park Concert Series
August 22: Kim Massie
Free summer fun presented by Union Communion Ministries in Ivory Perry Park, 800 N. Belt. All performances begin at 6:00 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be held indoors at Pilgrim Congregational UCC Church (826 Union Blvd). Food vendors, raffle prizes, activities for children. Bring your lawn chair or blanket.
Festival of Nations
August 28-29, 2010. Starting at 10am both days. It ends 7pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
The International Institute’s Festival of Nations unites the world’s many cultures for a two-day event. Musical performances, dance troupes & drum circles keep festival-goers feet tapping while the international cuisine offerings delight the senses. Watch Irish dancers, while eating traditional fare from Burma and then purchase banana leaf art pieces from Zambia. The festival also includes dance lessons, craft demonstrations, children’s activities & gift booths that line the beautiful tree-lined walkways of Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, MO. For more information, please visit www.iistl.org.
“Race: The Power of an Illusion”
A highly acclaimed 3-part PBS series about where the idea of race came from, how it took such a hold over our minds, and why race still matters. The first three sessions will show a video and follow up with a discussion, allowing us to get to know each other. The last two sessions will expand our discussion more about our community and where race is playing a role.
How often do we have the opportunity to meet and talk with one another about race - as someone on TV's "I'm Just Sayin" said the other night, "whites talk with whites and blacks talk with blacks about race - isn't it time that we begin talking with one another?" We hope you will embrace this invitation to do just that as we continue the conversation on race that we began decades ago…and help build stronger relationships and solidarity in our neighborhood.
Time: 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dates: Thursdays this autumn
September 16: “The Difference Between Us” & Discussion
September 30: “The Story We Tell” & Discussion
October 14: “The House We Live In” & Discussion
October 28: Discussion
November 11: Discussion
Come to one or all the sessions you can attend!
The series will be held at Midtown Catholic Charities Community Center located at 1202 South Boyle, 63110 (just south of Manchester Rd. across from St. Cronan's Church) Contact coordinator: Dan Leonard at Midtown (314) 534-1180 or e-mail: dleonard@ccstl.org
St. Louis Beacon “Race, Frankly” Barroom Conversations
The St. Louis Beacon sponsors every-other-weekly conversations on race, related to the publication's year-long special coverage of issues and situations related to race in the St. Louis region. The lightly-moderated discussions begin with a specific topic, but like all good conversations, veer off in different and rewarding directions. The Barroom Conversations begin at 7:30 p.m. every other Monday in the Half-Pint Room, to the left of the lobby at the Schlafly Brewery and Taproom at 22nd and Locust. Everyone is welcome