How do we work to achieve racial reconciliation? Educate: Assert accurate history to understand how systemic racism has been embedded in our culture and acknowledge the need for change. Communicate: Enabling reflection and interpersonal communication that will advance individual and communal changes. Advocate: Actively eliminate the barriers, structures and policies that sustain systemic racism. Create equity, and justice, as well as reconcile past wrongs.
Envision a council in Tuscaloosa whose mission is to represent every organization that works towards the goal of racial reconciliation in Tuscaloosa County. Though BBI4RR will host and facilitate the formation of this group, it will develop its own structure to continue dialogue and development of actions to eliminate racism. Analysis of a system or issue will be conducted based on the process used in the Seminar "What is Racism? The group identifies a common goal and chooses an action to be implemented.
This structure is the ultimate goal of racial reconciliation. Examples of possible topics include: 1) service to, or communicating with, someone in political office; 2) attending city, county or state government meetings to advocate for their chosen cause; or 3) promoting anti-racism or racial reconciliation in their community. BBI4RR would support this Advocacy Group by facilitating training and/or follow-up mentoring. Support, encouragement, and unity of purpose are the keys to ensuring that racism is eliminated in our society.
