Why did you come here tonight?

• Out of curiosity
• Help shape mayor ...( I could not make out the next word )
• Help start dialogue on this issue
• Past involvement
• See perspectives from other cities
• We don't talk about this topic often
• Important issue - part of all other issues in the city - gives stamp of identity
• We are a polarized people, have to recognize
• Raising children - there is still work to be done - want to change future
• Hear perspectives from all different neighborhoods
• On a spiritual healing journey to support healthy community
• Taught for ten years, interested in subject
• Not heeding MLK's words "…content of character"
• Want to keep abreast of what is going on
• Racism concerns me because issue of race is used to divert us from other issues
• Issue is boiling under the surface

Stories:

• Seeing outward signs of Jim Crow, "I went to back of bus" in only seat - unfairness
• Eye-witness to '64 riots - merchants left - "black cop who hit woman instead of white cop as reported" - miscommunication, rumor, based on stereotyping
• Got to know man through work which allowed me to get to know him in ways I would not if he "moved in next to me" - lack of experience with other races, would not have gone out of my way
• Late night commuting through Center City - scary - police with dogs were patrolling - I was the only white - stereotyping, fear; also black man apologized for making derogatory comment
• Complexion of neighborhood has changed - white flight which bothers me - ethnocentric charter school is being opposed - frustration that racism is assumed as reason for actions
• Best and worst when you only see color - cab driver protected me
• We have two societies, two cultures - white is more valued in culture
• What I learned from table, there is no them, there is only us - advocate of life, not color - black nation offers nourishment - advocate of balance & peace - believes in sperm and eggs
• As youth, I wanted to express myself had to go NE - friends said, "don't go" - talked fear into me. I was fearful being alone, but I didn't know why - folks in store were very nice - race can cause divide - cause irrational fear - fear perpetuated over generations - pre-conceived notions
• Idiots on both sides - stereotyping, family members making derogatory remarks - I am disenfranchised from my family because of my views, don't understand hatred, children hear this and learn
• . My block is racially and economically mixed - acceptance is normal - meet folks one on one will help
• White families doing all they could to keep children out of segregated high school - city system let school deteriorate - race and racism are used as diversion from other issues which system won't address
• Police with dogs treated black students differently - institutionalized racism has contaminated all things
• Grandfather assaulted by German-American "Bund(?)" - assaults for reasons which we cannot control causes a cancer - diversity is something we need
• (children were color blind) - or had different notion of what white is - stereotype didn't allow children to see.
• Gap between media's portrayal and reality

What voices haven't we heard? What perspectives are missing?

• Media can misrepresent - expedient, quick to judge
• Need to take responsibility for your actions for your actions instead of relying on "historic treatment"
• Being black and female - two strikes against me made me work harder
• Never would have thought that in ('60's, 80's? can't tell what number it is or if it's a year or age) I would have to fear and hear being called derogatory name
• We all have barriers
• Being male and white has made it easier on my son
• There is no level playing field despite the advances
• Power holders are still white and male
• Black sororities and fraternities reaction to racism
• Can't legislate moral issue, issue of heart
• Prejudice is formed by WASP to all groups
• Old $$ in this city
• . No history comparable to that of blacks
• Institutionalized racism
• Media's portrayal emphasizes crime
• Can we get out of this room and feel/act differently
• Need to develop level of tolerance
• Drugs in city contributing factor

Observations:

• Power of oppression, someone being oppressed always
• Comparing wounds
• Pre-conceived notions based on experiences influenced our reactions
• Can't forget history, we are a product of our experiences
• Actions taken based on the rhetoric and structures which have nothing to do with experiences
• Dichotomy between individual experiences and institutions
• Lack of knowledge
• Threatening to dispel our pre-conceived notions
• Folks don't want to know truth
• Stereotyping
• Fear
• Good and bad experiences
• Reality- until all institutions are changed, nothing changes