City brings racism to forefront

Racism is not going away anytime soon unless there are more conversations, according to a panel discussion sponsored by the City of Bloomington Black History Month Committee. 

The conversational theme of Black History Month Bloomington Style! began February with a kick-off discussion Thursday at City Hall.

“We will never gain common ground unless people start talking,” committee member Beverly Calendar-Anderson said. “Learn more about issues, talk to people of other cultures, and participate.”

Members of the panel discussion agreed that President Barack Obama was elected because he represented more than African-American culture alone. The panel agreed that his religion, his charisma and his communication skills helped to expand his voting base. 

“Most African-Americans I have spoken to have said ‘I didn’t think I would see this in my lifetime,’” said panelist and Monroe County Circuit Judge Valeri Haughton. “Obama was perceived as different because he spoke in a way that was comfortable to more people.”

Panelists also agreed that Obama’s presidency has not diminished racism in society.
“Regardless of everything said, they’re still calling him the N word,” panelist Rev. Anne Henning Byfield said.  “Now that the truth is coming out, it’s hard to hide racism.”

Panelists also discussed lack of cultural perspectives in the community, even on the IU campus.

Despite the fact that ideas will clash, panelists encouraged audience members to learn rather than shut down.

“We have to be willing to be open with people who disagree with us,” Haughton said. “We must feel comfortable bringing up topics that could viewed as controversial.”

Panelists agreed that black history affects people of all cultures and that we should encourage people of all cultures to participate in order to bridge the gaps.

“We need to let everyone know that all of us are affected by black history,” Haughton said. “There are a lot of people who are not here that don’t understand that is not just a black issue.”