Springfield institute bridging the racial divide one session at a time
Source: MassLive
While some may feel overcoming racism is too large a task, members of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley believe the first step only takes two days.
For the last five years, the Springfield-based organization has worked with individuals across all sectors of the city to bridge the racial divide. Using film and open discussion of personal experiences among peers, the institute's signature program educates participants on different aspects of racism including its history, origins and social impact.
"Our goal is really to elevate people's consciousness about race and help them to understand systemic inequities within that," said Healing Racism Institute Director Waleska Lugo-DeJesus.
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HRI is seeking organizational partners by transferring stewardship of its programs to ensure the mission is carried forward with strength and sustainability.
On June 24, the institute will hold a two-hour community dialogue at the University of Massachusetts Henry M. Thomas III campus in Springfield. The agenda: discuss how to fight and heal from racism, especially in the current political environment.
