This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard, Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”- Nelson Mandela.
You would agree that two are better than one, and we are “Better Together” when making changes and getting things done. We are all in spaces affected by racial inequity. Inequity is an ongoing issue that needs continual attention. It is a complex and deeply rooted problem that affects every aspect of our society, from education and employment to healthcare and housing. In all reality, if I could sum it up in one word from the Mandela quote, this is a “heart” issue.
How do you address racial inequity in your circles or sphere of influence? By coming together, we can tackle this issue with the strength of our diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences. Each of us has a unique contribution; together, we can help create a more just world.
I chose this topic as a foundation for these articles because it has been exemplified throughout history that things work better when people work together, no matter what goal they are trying to accomplish. Many of you may have heard, “Many hands make the work lighter.” Well, it is true. Things move when many people work on a specific goal or project; in this instance, we focus on racial inequality.
Let us quickly dive into how we can influence our circles and what you can do as an individual to keep this vital work moving forward. You are equipped with what you need to help with this work.
Kionna Garner is an Assistant Manager of Dialogue-to-Action Programs at InterFaith Works of CNY.