Race and Privilege Interest Group
June 27, 2016 -
Two years ago the Race and Privilege Interest Group began to meet monthly to discuss issues related to race in the United States. We explore our reactions to the events of the day, study analytical articles, and organize educational opportunities for the Carol Woods community.
During the first year, we sponsored the showing of Parts 2 and 3 of “Race: the Power of an Illusion” produced by PBS. We also held a three-part study of Whistling Vivaldi by Claude Steele. In the second year we provided presentations on three local issues. These included a review by Wanda Hunter, co-leader of the Campaign for Racial Equity at CHCCS, of the 85-page report to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School District on “Excellence withEquity.” Attorneys Tye Hunter and Rich Rosen and Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue discussed a set of recommendations by the Orange County Bias-Free Policing Coalition. Concerned about the increased residential and commercial development on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and the threat of development to three mobile home parks, we asked for a review of affordable housing by the Director of the Town of Chapel Hill’s Community and Housing Division, Loryn Clark. There are plans to follow up on all three topics this fall.
On July 5, 12 and 19, the special interest group will sponsor discussions on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. of the readable, humorous and thoughtful book, Waking Up White, by Debby Irving. We have found over the past two years that books, films and presentations facilitate informal discussions of sensitive issues. These discussions are open to all in the Carol Woods community – both present and future.
-- Jan D., Carol Woods resident