Lauren D., Week 8

Bridging the Gaps

“This is a call to enhance love, but not just private love.  This is a call to enhance public love- justice.  This is a call to intentionally support the creation of structures informed by and informing our sense of social justice and spirituality.  This is a call to become responsible for the institutional structures we inhabit and that inhabit us.  This is a call for self- and world-making and for the bridge between them, as well as recognition that the world is deeply spiritual even at its most secular.  It is a call to create and live the predicate for the beloved community” (Powell, 2012, pg.228). 

            The insight and inspiration that filled the room this week, as the group of youth and young adults brainstormed ways to bridge the gaps of social inclusion, was beyond powerful.  To able to witness the younger generation so genuinely invested in change and reform encourages my heart and soul in a hope that CAN exist. 

The participants this week created the list below as possible ideas in overcoming the obstacles of racial inequality:

·         Mutual investment AND follow through from BOTH minority groups and stakeholders (such as law enforcement, educators, politicians, etc.).

·         Trainings, Education and Awareness on implicit bias.

·         Reform in the school systems to include educators and administration being open to growth (such as allowing students to speak their native language) AND all school staff and parents being better connected.

·         School systems not making assumptions, undervaluing minorities and asking students if they are comfortable sharing/being asked about their culture.

·         Engaging one’s self in different environments/environments that may feel uncomfortable.

·         Education around diversity, cultures, morals, discipline, faith/holidays.

·         Mentors who can relate to minority youth.

As highlighted above, education and school systems are a vital piece in the arena of social inclusion.

This week we also opened-up the conversation to “HOPES” of bridging these gaps.  It was painful to hear several youth and young adults voice hopelessness and truly struggle in believing hope was possible, due to the continuous obstacles they face daily.  Yet, even after this raw and unsettling conversation occurred, one youth brought forth a quote she once heard “THINK love, SPEAK love, BE loved.” With those words, I think hope must exist!

References:

Powell, J. A. (2012). Racing to justice: Transforming our conceptions of self and other to build   an inclusive society. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.