A growing group of community members in the Rockford, Illinois area dedicated to eliminating racism and becoming a community where everyone feels valued.
The ER815 Paradox
“Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person. There have been so many stories about the lack of courtesy, the impatience of today’s world, road rage and restaurant rage. Sometimes, all it takes is one kind word to nourish another person. Think of the ripple effect that can be creates when we nourish someone. One kind word has a wonderful way of turning into many.” -Mr. Rogers
These words of Mr. Rogers made me think of the fine road we all must walk as activists, working to eliminate racism in our community, while doing that work in a way that treats every one with respect, courtesy, and civility. We are, after all, not just trying to eliminate racism; we are also trying to create a belonging community where everyone feels valued and accepted, and like they love living here. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We hate the deed and we love the person.” We walk a fine line, “the razor’s edge”.
When working to eliminate racism, we need to be able to engage in conversations with determination, firmness, persistence, and patience, while at the same time, listen, understand, and build a relationship with the person we are engaging with. The is no place for judgment, criticism, anger, or blame. What a fine line we walk on our journey to create a better community, where everyone (yes, everyone) is invited into the circle.
I suggest that you reread the Mr. Rogers quote above. After all, isn’t that where we start our journey – with kind words to others, especially to those that we don’t think deserve kind words. because they are the ones that need them the most. And, lest we forget, we are on a spiritual journey when we work to eliminate racism, so kindness is the nourishment that we, ourselves, need on this journey and the nourishment that we share with those we meet on the way.
How lucky we are to be called to this work; how blessed.
Dick Rundall
President, Eliminate Racism 815
Hear Directly from Chief Carla Redd and
Chief Michelle Pankow
The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford held a forum by zoom with Rockford’s new Police Chief, Carla Redd, and new Fire Chief, Michelle Pankow, on Sunday, October 17, 2021. They are the first women to hold these positions in Rockford’s history. It is also the first time the Rockford Police Department will be led by a person of color.
Each Chief shared their vision and answered a few pre-submitted questions.
The program was recorded and can be accessed on youtube here:
Everyone is urged to go to Greentownconference.com and consider registering for the Green Town Conference to be held on November 12, 2021 at the downtown Embassy Suites.
Eliminate Racism 815 is a sponsor of this event. We believe it will have a significant effect on our community. Review the website and consider being a part of helping change Rockford to a sustainable, green town.
Book Discussion
Thursday November 18, 2021 6:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: Please not that the book discussion will NOT be on the last Thursday of the month due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Join us by zoom for a discussion of Separated-Inside an American Tragedy by Jacob Soboroff: A dramatic odyssey of one separated family from Guatemala where they sought asylum at the US border and were separated. Soboroff challenged the policy and worked to reunite parents with children.
Please read the book on your own and we will discuss it.
Book discussions are presented in partnership with Rockford Public Library.
Film Discussion
Friday November 12, 2021
6 p.m.
Constructing the Terrorist Threat-Islamophobia: The Media & War on Terror: Argues US media have turned Arabs/Muslims into the face of terror, while terror attacks by homegrown violent extremist groups have far outnumbered Muslim/Arab attacks.
The film discussions are presented in partnership with Tony Turner of Conscious Coaching, The Baha’i Community of the Rockford Area, and Rockford Public Library.
