The Racial Divide
I've been reading more articles that show the real disconnect between how white residents and black residents see Ferguson and how they propose to move forward. I am making an assumption that the churches of Ferguson are just as segregated as the rest of the community - wonder if clergy from Ferguson area churches have met? Seems like a natural place to start. But the quotes from some of the white people in these articles are so out of touch.
"There’s is a not a racial divide in the city of Ferguson.
That is the perspective of all residents in our city,"
Ferguson’s current mayor James Knowles
told MSNBC on Tuesday.
That is the perspective of all residents in our city,"
Ferguson’s current mayor James Knowles
told MSNBC on Tuesday.
The size of the rock he's sleeping under has obviously crushed his sense of reality.
Having a parade isn't going to fix this problem. I'm not suggesting I know how to solve it, but the first thing I would do is make sure black people have representation at every discussion. And maybe, just maybe, the white folks should just shut up and listen. Really listen, for a change.
- Why Did Ferguson Erupt? (NBC News)
- The Two Very Different Worlds of Ferguson (Slate)
My dear mother-in-law's entire career was in pubic education. She has very strong ideas around equal educational opportunities for ALL children, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. I respect her opinion and insight tremendously on these kinds of issues. Her network consists of others equally versed and passionate on educational affairs. One friend did some educational consulting work with NISL in Ferguson. Her friend was "so impressed with the quality and enthusiasm" of then superintendent Art McCoy, who was recently forced out by the all white school board.
- Listen to the Democracy Now! interview with Art McCoy.
- Mike Brown and St. Louis education: Symptomatic of a failing system
On a more optimistic note, Do Something Now is a Facebook page that share ideas about how we can all be a part of the solution to the challenges we see playing out in Ferguson, MO and other places. Events being held by various organizations across the area are listed.
The Peace Train riding through Ferguson made me smile. And so did God's tweet.
