Racial healing

James M. Contois
Claremont
To the editor,

Aug. 28 marked the anniversary of the murder of Emmett Till. Aug. 28 also marks the anniversary of the near lynching of a Claremont boy in 2017. Immediately following the incident, a citizens group in Claremont, the“Racial Healing Working Group” was organized to educate people to the fact that racism is real, it is here, it is now, and it is us. 

Jeanne Hruska, writing for the Concord Monitor on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, stated “Racism may be less visible in states with minimal diversity, but it is just as prevalent — and just as dangerous. We are doing a disservice to our communities to not see Claremont as a warning bell and to not use Claremont as a call to action.”

We must continue the work of justice for all. Each of us is responsible for educating ourselves about the history of racism and why no other country in the world has a legacy like ours. 

Dr. Middleton McGoodwin, Superintendent of Schools, SAU 6, recently wrote that “lack of discussion about race results in lack of awareness.” We must be on guard to injustice around us. Whether it is in the national political discourse or a local incident. 

Thankfully, the ability to educate ourselves about racial healing is being ameliorated by the work of the Racial Healing Working Group. The group is made up of Claremont citizen activists and civic leaders. A book and study guide are currently being studied and ways to involve the community are being pursued. Please get involved. Whether you are a student or a retiree,your point of view is needed in our community.For more information about the Racial healing Working Group and the meetings you can email [email protected].

 

James M. Contois

Claremont