I so appreciated the perspectives shared at this past Tuesday’s meeting of our Richmond Racial Equity group on Zoom. It was a late meeting (following a late Monday for many who attended) and I also appreciated the sustained investment in the conversation. In particular, Christine Werneke’s description of how she approaches differences of opinions and ideas for action resonated deeply for me.

A conversation about group process would be helpful to me as I continue to participate in our work together. Perhaps this is a topic for separate subgroups – I regularly join in the Policy and Policing Subgroup and therefore pose this question to Cody, who gives his time and thought to leading this discussion. Could we spend some time talking about the process the group uses to move forward on its various topics/activities?

I welcome a conversation about this at any level of the group, whether as a full group or sub-groups. And I’m happy to talk with anyone individually too. I realize there can be different perspectives about the value of this kind of conversation.

Thanks for considering this,

Connie

Two Events in early August!

The Black Perspective presents: Talent Show on Wednesday August 5th at 6-7:30 pm at the O’Brien Community Center in Winooski. 

Event Description:

“The Black Perspective is a social justice organization who support the minorities in Vermont, striving for equality, justice and elevation of anyone in need. At this event, they will present spoken word and music reflecting their mission.

Whole Heart Inc. presents the Art of Listening Series, Featuring Ferene Paris Meyer, August 4, 11, and 18 Tuesday 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Event Description:

In welcoming and amplifying voices of color, we deepen connections to our communities and ourselves. Join us in this listening practice as we explore our own voices and Identities through a variety of lenses.

Please join us for our next offering in The Art of Listening: A Series of Three-Part Sessions. Each session will focus on different modes of listening and expression – from writing and storytelling, to movement and song. Each artist will share their craft and introduce ways of knowing. We will follow the Wholeheart pattern of inviting reflection and expression in small groups.

About Ferene Paris Meyer: Ferene is the creator and owner of All Heart Inspirations, LLC. She creates heart-centered spaces through storytelling workshops, community engagements, and retreats. Ferene is excited to spread love, gratitude, and affirmations within our local community and beyond! 

Donation opportunity for August! 

Help fund an exciting and necessary project by cinematographer and story-teller Anthony Marques and the Perspective.

Kickstarter Description: “Invisible will tell the stories of Black people who grew up or moved to Vermont and experienced first hand being judged and pushed aside due to their skin color through a documentary film. In one of the whitest states in the nation, the lived experiences of people of color are too often denied and dismissed. As a result, Black lives are devalued and our entire community is diminished. Invisible will illuminate how implicit and explicit racial bias shape the day to day reality of people of color in our state and will challenge Vermonters to grapple with the true cost we all pay for systemic racism. The creative team at Perspective understands first hand that all stories of trauma are also stories of resilience. We believe that amplifying Black voices and celebrating the strength and creativity of the Black community are the most powerful tools we have to create change.”

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/834764114/invisible-5?ref=thanks-share&fbclid=IwAR2WA6urv4KrSv6cO3EsZD30P9AC5cIrnCVISDoqqkNP_-u-x2Oi-swxlAw

Would you like to make a difference in supporting racial equity in Vermont? One easy way to do this is by shopping at Black-owned businesses and financially supporting Black-owned organizations. Richmond Racial Equity will periodically be posting Black-owned Vermont businesses to shop at, as well as Black-owned organizations and fundraisers, in Front Porch Forum.

This month, consider:

A fundraiser organized by Candace Taylor to create the BIPOC Urban Farm and Wholeness Center in Winooski. The plans for this center include: a botánica, a workshop space for BIPOC-centered classes and appointments, an urban farm, and more. https://www.gofundme.com/f/conscious-homestead-bipoc-farm-amp-center

Clemmons Family Farm, one of only 17 Black-owned farms in Vermont, that is also a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting African-American and African diaspora arts and culture. http://www.clemmonsfamilyfarm.org/

The SUSU Healing Collective’s BIPOC Land and Food Sovereignty Fund. This fundraiser has surpassed its initial goal to provide CSAs for BIPOC Vermonters, and funds are now being allocated towards the purchase of land for BIPOC farmers in our state. To read more about the SUSU Healing Collective click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bipoc-healing-foods-fund

Additionally, if you are a BIPOC farmer/farm worker in the Northeast who has been financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, or you know someone who may qualify, check out the Northeast BIPOC Farmer Relief Fund. Applications are being accepted until August 10th. https://nesawg.org/bipoc-farmer-covid-relief-fund