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Systemic racism is pervasive, unconscious and habituated. Those of us living in a condition of white privilege are unable to fully comprehend the magnitude and angst of living life always on edge.
This will not be addressed just by naming the condition, speaking about it, or even increased awareness. That does not even begin to correct the root causes of our thoughtless discrimination and the lack of equal financial opportunities, education, medical care, housing and more for persons of color.
The Active Bethel Citizens desires to make Bethel a more welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all. To that end, we hope that a racially/ethnically diverse work group might attempt to identify a few key areas of our culture that could be modified with a sustained effort over time. We don't have any answers, or a plan, but feel we must take action or things will never change.
Please join us in the formation of a work group to begin exploring what can be done here in Bethel and in Eugene.
Mahatma Gandhi said "You must be the change you want to see in the world." And John Lewis wrote, "Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society. The work of love, peace, and justice will always be necessary, until their realism and their imperative take hold of our imagination, crowds out any dream of hatred or revenge, and fills up our existence with their power."
Contact Diane Behling at 831-818-5618 or Travis Johannes at 503-703-5763
Meeting on ZOOM every two weeks or so (see below). We watch a video and discuss it. Our next video is: ยท Baratunde Thurston: How to Deconstruct Racism One Headline at a Time
Wednesday, March 24 6:30-7:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting