Race and Peace in the Land - Study Circle 2010

[William Jackson]

Edited by Cheryl Williams

Let’s not tire of the discussion, let’s not cast away the
quest for open and respectful dialogue on important issues;
our culture, our heritage, our racial diversity does
not have to keep us divided.

Our places of employment, of religious worship, educational
institutions, chamber of commences, city councils, mayoral
offices and governmental bodies should not base friendships
and associations on shades of colors, but based on qualifications.

Comments should not be made;
I have Black friends or I have White friends or I have Hispanic
or Latino friends, etc. Base our friendships on how we promote
and encourage each other.

An encouraging and empowering motto;
Educate, Empower and Encourage (Motto of E3 Business Group)

Lets not forget love and respect each other.

What point in a person’s life do they realize that the seasons
of their life are changing? No longer can people live with
outdated ideologies that encompass racism, biases, and prejudices
about people, their culture and heritage. The outdated and dangerous
attitude of white vs black or others blurs as a person matures and
age sets in physically, mentally and spiritually.
Mindsets begin to comprehend that the person is important not
the color of the person. The person they see has value regardless
of their shades of color. Study Circles have the effect of
growth through dialogue not devaluing or demeaning.
There isn’t apprehension of verbal retaliation because of someone’s
believe. Behaviours can change, adapt and modify if the end result
is a healthier consciousness. The improvement of relationship and
the dismissal of self imposed or taught ignorance and mental slavery
to a relationship based on shades of color.

During the physical transformations of maturity for many people
there is a psychological maturity, a change, a transformation that
evolves beyond parental and societal teachings and exposures.
Many studies show that racism is taught, it is a travesty to ones
existence when a person does not change, they do not mature
or grow. It has been seen throughout history that cultures and
civilizations that do not change or adapt will ultimately grow
into extinction.

Those that are political icons whose ideas on the separation of
the races and cultures change because they realize that their
ignorance has in many ways denied them a inner peace,
an opportunity to do more than coexist, but culturally blend and
dynamically relate to other cultures not just for political gain,
but for the gain of humanity for all races. Our political figures
sometimes put race ahead of service. Their service is to all people
whether of the same or different political party. There is no room for
favouritism, preferential treatments, nor division because of race
or culture. People must work with dialogue to put away old
exchanges of biases and segragation.

Simplistically; no one should deny themselves the blessings of
getting to know those that are different. Do not base judgements on
shades of color because the opportunity to learn from each other and
better our community will be denied. It is interesting that the human
race is still in the process of judging, demeaning, disrespecting and
denying fellow human beings their rights. Not rights that were granted
by constitution or law, but the simplistic rights as humans.

Mindsets change about believes, decisions and choices. One of our
choices that begin to change is the relationships we establish and
our opinions about people that are physically different. During the 20th
and 21st century new technologies are being invented, science and
technology have mapped human genes; distant galaxies are being
explored with infrared and microwave technologies. Communication
has advanced from vacuum tube, short wave radios to satellite
communication using microprocessors. The Internet has opened doors
to new avenues of information gathering, business collaboration, cultural
exchanges and the connection of peoples for the betterment of mankind.

Despite all these advances there is still mental slavery of judging
another persons shade of color. Addressing these issues are the
Study Circle Events that will start in July at various locations throughout
Jacksonville, Florida.
These Study Circles are a dialogue program on racial and ethnic
relations sponsored by the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission.
In a study circle 6 – 14 individuals of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
meet two hours a week for five weeks to engage in open and honest
discussion on racism and race/ethnic relations. Through an honest and
respectful exchange, the participants are able to learn from the exchange
of diverse experiences, achieve a greater understanding and appreciation
of differing cultures, and establish a basis for working together on other
community issues.

The doors have been open for dialogue, but as with any successful initiative
and vision for positive change it takes people and a buying in of our religious
representatives. Some of the Shepherds of our communities have not been
vocal to encourage our community, their flocks to embrace these circles
that seek to truly bring our collective peoples together. Establishing a quest
for community and spiritual fellowship there seems a lack of promotion by
many ministries, religious associations, and churches. Here is an opportunity
for our religious/spiritual leaders to promote ethnic acceptance and
understanding, but many of their voices are silent. Just as a tradition at
the end of many religious services the doors of the church are open, but
they seem not to extend invitations or promote Study Circles when
serous work is being done outside of the church house.

What do the participants of these Study Circles get out of it?
Just as in any worthwhile endeavor, what you get out of it is contingent
upon what you put into it…

The Study Circles can be attended at no cost, but the returns are invaluable.
The potential for personal growth during completion of a Study Circle will
change view points and change relationship. With the coming of the
Mayoral elections maybe our candidates should take the time to attend
a Study Circle to improve their understanding and interpretation of

heritages, racial differences, and cultural blending of the people
they will be in service to.

Take a Study Circle that is convenient to your time.

For more information check out the study circles link at:
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Human+Rights+Commission/Study+Circle...

Read more in this blog..
http://jacksonville.com/interact/blog/william_jackson/2010-02-22/st..._
In association to Study Circles in January 2011 there is an additional event:
E3 Business Group Real Talk... Real Change II
The second community dialogue event under RTRC will deal with the topic
"Are YOU Living COLOR".
The event will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available for this event.
Attendance is expected to be 500.
For more information email [e-mail]
and access the web site:http://jaxfl.e3businessgroup.us/index.php/events
More information will be coming soon.,..