Let Us Begin Now! An Honest Conversation about Race Focused on Gaining a Deeper Understanding
In honor of Juneteenth, which was recently designated as a new federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of Black Americans from slavery, “Let Us Begin – Now!,” is hosting a virtual diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness and listening event.
We hope you’ll join us for the live webcast on Wednesday, June 30, from 5:00pm-6:30 pm ET.
During this free event, a diverse panel will share their experiences regarding racism, inequality, and intolerance, and their effects as they have navigated through their personal and professional lives. The discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience.
This event is for those who seek to better understand their Black colleagues, neighbors and friends; and find out how many of them live their daily lives in society in ways that may not always be commonly known. After listening, reflection, and dialogue, we hope that participants walk away with a greater and more nuanced understanding of and compassion for the challenges faced by people of color.
“Let Us Begin – Now!” is an independent, nonpartisan group focused on engaging in activities to make a more just and equitable world, including promoting equality for people of all races, and raising public awareness about diversity and inclusion matters.
The group began at a time of violence and outcry, as racial tension swept across the nation in 2020, and as our country was waking to the realities of racism. A small diverse group of individuals came together online to discuss racial injustice, unfairness, and inequality in America. The group joined together out of our mutual concern about continuing racial injustices and unfairness in our country, drawn so starkly by incidences of police violence. The group found hope in the Franciscan consciousness and commitment to respecting the uniqueness and treasure of each person, and committing to find ways to be members of one family.
We are grateful to Fr. Dan and Mt. Irenaeus for their support in helping coordinate and facilitate this gathering. We hope you can join us!