Diversity and Inclusion Panel Discussion
The dialogue: racial bias in Lincoln


 

[April 27, 2022] 

On Monday, March 7, an important community gathering took place. 'The dialogue: Black history and culture' was sponsored by the city of Lincoln's Diversity & Inclusion Commission.

It was a cool end-of-winter drab evening, but attendees entering the Second Baptist Church in Lincoln experienced a change of atmosphere inside; great warmth in greetings.

The event was promoted by Lincoln Memorial Hospital Community Health Coalition. Director Angela Stoltzenburg said, “Relationships within families and communities have a strong impact on our health and well-being."

The most recent data collected in the 2020 Health Needs Assessment survey showed that 43% of local respondents had witnessed someone being negatively treated because of their race either sometimes or frequently. Stoltzenburg said, "We must do better."

When it comes to healing racial divide many people ask, what can I do?

Talking about our commonalities and experiences is one big piece to that puzzle. Sharing in a structured clarifying format shows where racial bias exists. Real people sharing real experiences in a meaningful dialogue offers comprehension and the chance to address unfavorable attitudes.

'The Dialogue' included a panel Q&A followed by small group discussions.

Commission Chairperson Jeanette Harris welcomed everyone and set the format. Then Jennifer Hunt served as moderator asking panel members about their experiences in Lincoln.

A set of guidelines was shared on how to respond to the sensitive information.

Ground Rules:

• Listen deeply
• Assume the best intentions
• Keep an open-mind
• Expect and accept non-closure
• Expect to experience discomfort
• Allow others to learn what you already know
• Take care of yourself

Responsibilities:

• Recognize
• Acknowledge
• No Blame
• Trust
• Respect
• Individual Experience
• Share the Air
• Not Experts
• Ask for help

The panelists introduced themselves. They ranged in age with the two youngest at 13-years of age having lived their whole lives in Lincoln. Adults included a Lincoln College staff member who works with black students and the community; a horticulturalist/mom, and a retired military serviceman/father.

Each of the panelists shared their future goals and except for the retired person, all plan to a pursuit of higher education and career advancements. Each placed an emphasis on community and family. All said they wanted to make Lincoln a better place for all to live.

The youngest in years proved wise in their knowledge of history, at interpreting their own experiences and current events.

The Lincoln College employee has witnessed intimidating behaviors in the community. Most recently he accompanied a few students to an eatery where the hostess displayed several forms of rudeness that lead them to leave shortly after being seated.

Panelist shared the injustice felt when people hate you just because of the color of your skin. One woman carries a depth of hurt started in childhood from past racial slurs. She does not want that kind of degradation for children today.

All have physiologically experienced stages of pain and frustration that lead to anger felt in the body, and have learned to curb their responses.

Panelists were asked to share the advantages and disadvantages of being black:

Advantages:

Sometimes the disadvantages create the advantages - you learn discipline to not retaliate, - work 10 times harder to overcome bias or discrimination, - you carry on in the face of adversity; this creates strength and resilience.

Disadvantages:

Frustrations at being prejudged, not taken seriously, minimized, not trusted, concern for safety.

The prejudicial experiences they each shared ranged from subtle to overt: a passing muttered racial slur, out loud angry utterances made by a neighbor, regularly followed closely throughout businesses, displays of symbols such as a Confederate flag, intended to be intimidating (micro-aggressions); all undeserved, disrespectful and rude behaviors.

The most profound statements offered came from the youngest persons, including a reply to what are some advantages to being black?

Black women are beautiful.

The black men are "ongoing and strong. The black men I know continue no mater how hard it is."

Living as a black man: - swag (said with humor and confidence this brought chuckles,) - freedom to know you are judged but it is by a select few, going through difficulties makes stronger.

The panelists' thoughtful responses offered a depth of insight into the challenges of going out into our community each day visibly as a minority.

A panelist said, "This is not something that happens once every full moon. It is a daily. We wake up in this skin - we wake up black - we shower black - we eat black - we drive black - we go to the store black."

Turnaround questions:
How can our community address thoughtless wrong behaviors?
What part can I play?

When you see something wrong, say something. Silence is complicit, it speaks even louder endorsing wrong behavior.

When it is safe to respond, calmly say to an offensive person, "What you are doing is not ok."

Help children and neighbors get through these challenges.

What can black people do:

Keep the train moving, when talks begin, don't stop for uncomfortable moments.

After the one hour panel presentation the room was divided into groups to discuss what each person heard.

There's an old adage, "When you know better, you can do better." Many people are unaware of how their words or behaviors, or lack of response impact others and may not even realize they themselves make judgments of others on their looks. A few of the public commented they came to the gathering to check themselves.

A retired woman said she had gone on a trip to another country where she was visibly a minority. She then understood the pressures and potential danger in being a minority. She wanted to check how she comes across to others in minority here at home.

Another woman does a lot of community work and wanted to better understand the community needs. She's acquainted with some of the stereotyping and cultural bias that minorities here in Lincoln experience.

The evening closed out with a surprise bonus. Elite Kicks supplied a $50 gift certificate. Cindy Smith was thrilled when her ticket was drawn making her the winner to shop one of Lincoln's newest and the best athletic shoe business.

The new Elite Kicks Shoe Store is located at 130 Chicago Street, Lincoln. It is locally owned by Mario Canon, Nick Cummings, Dave Duncan and Ron Olthoff.

Keeping the momentum of the work in our community and everywhere is important. At evening's end, all present for 'The dialogue' heartily agreed, more talks are needed.

In a kind, firm and gentle voice Harris summed up the challenges presented by racism, "A lot of people make it about black and white, but it's about what's right and what's wrong."

[Jan Youngquist]