As reported in yesterday’s Spy, Chestertown kicked off its regular town meeting Monday night with an hour-long discussion about racism as the town and Washington College addressed recent incidents of harassment of minority students.
In part two of this report, we share the comments and remarks from those in the audience who wished to speak that evening.
This video is approximately thirty-eight minutes in length.
arlene lee says
My hope is that KCPS heard these powerful statements. It takes courage to stand up in public and speak your truth. Let’s all hope that those on power have the courage to listen, and truly hear. The safety and wellbeing of our students depend upon it.
Robbi Behr says
My hope is also that the rest of the community hears, because as some at the meeting noted, these incidents are not restricted to WAC campus or our public schools. If we can come together and create a clear plan for dealing with racism and for empowering the marginalized, as well as stepping out of the way when needed, we can hopefully ensure that Chestertown is a safe and welcoming home for all.
arlene lee says
Absolutely. But that’s a longer term goal. The immediate goal must be the safety of our children while they are in school. Surely we can all agree on that.
susan newton-rhodes says
powerful and compelling. what can i do? our family has personally experienced the issues and problems of race at the high school. i am ready will and able to help in what ever possible way. i agree that this has to stop and that there is a radicalization of youth through social media and cell phones. i would not have believed the deep issues in this county had we not experienced this racism first hand. i have spent my career in social justice and i am heart sick to know these very ugly secrets in this community.
arlene lee says
Hi Susan,
Please join us at a meeting of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, at 6pm in Sumner Hall.