Healing Racism Premieres at Phoenix College

On September 29th, a standing-room only crowd convened at Phoenix College for the first in a series of community conversations entitled Healing Racism, sponsored by the City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission, Arizona State University, and Maricopa County Community College District. This first conversation was convened in recognition of the League of Cities' Race Equality Day. City of Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Johnson presented a proclamation in recognition of Race Equality Day and added his thoughts about the importance of Healing Racism.

A diverse group of Maricopans and community members turned out for the event.	Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Johnson shares a warm moment with R. J. Shannon, Chair of The City Of Phoenix Human Relations Commission after presentation of the proclamation.

Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, Assistant Professor of History at Arizona State University, moderated the discussion including excerpts from a thought-provoking video, comments from panelists R.J. Shannon, Chair of the City of Phoenix Human Relations Commission, Waziyatawin Angela Wilson, Assistant Professor of American Indian History at Arizona State University, and Jason Martinez Zapata, a counselor at Estrella Mountain Community College and member of the State of Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. Their words stimulated numerous comments and reflections from the audience about the state of race relations in the United States and Arizona.

Dr. Whitaker takes comments from the audience.

People listened respectfully to the different perspectives expressed including:

• Race is a complex and evolving concept influenced by social assumptions rather than distinct biological differences. While progress has been made, much work is left to be done to achieve true racial equality in the United States. Participants shared their own stories of successes, barriers and pain.
• Groups need to work together toward shared goals if we are to be successful.

Participants lingered over cookies and punch to continue the discussion at the end of the formal gathering. Healing Racism is being aired on Phoenix Cable Channel 11. Check http://phoenix.gov/11/m-daily.html for scheduled play times.

The second Healing Racism conversation took place on November 30th in the Dome Room at Phoenix College. The focus of this conversation was Changing Demographics: Being American. The third one is scheduled for February 16, 2006.

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