HCC's World Café explores racial divide

Heights Community Congress (HCC) is an advocate of social justice, a monitor of fair-housing practices and a facilitator for building strong, diverse communities. Even now, in 2016, after monumental strides in racial equality, racial division still exists in the United States. HCC is working to diminish that racial divide, right here in the Heights.

In celebration of Black History Month, and to kick off a new program year for HCC, a World Café discussion will take place at the Lee Road Library on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.

The World Café method is uniquely suited to facilitate small group discussions that also allow everyone's thoughts and insights to be shared. An open mind and honest thoughts will help guide these discussions on the racial divide, current achievements and initiatives, and ways we can grow together in the Heights community.

During the month of February, schools, libraries, bookstores, community organizations and interested residents are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting an African American Read-In.

For this particular evening, HCC plans to use themes from the book Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges, to focus the group’s understanding of the state of education immediately following the Supreme Court's historic ruling on school segregation.

To encourage an understanding of the past as a way to impact the present racial environment, HCC will present an encore performance of “Thurgood,” a hit play from Ensemble Theatre’s 2014 season. Greg White will repeat his role as Thurgood Marshall at Hope Lutheran Church later this month. White was honored to play the role of Marshall and dedicated his performance to his father, Jerome White, who not only resembled Marshall but was a great storyteller as well.

At the Feb. 5 World Café, HCC will encourage discussion of the issues raised amongst neighbors. Reservations (216-321-6775) are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

Laura Potter-Sadowski

Laura Potter-Sadowski is executive director of Ten Thousand Villages in Cleveland Heights, and an HCC board member.

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Volume 9, Issue 2, Posted 12:19 PM, 01.29.2016