The event is open to those living in Clark County as well as in surrounding areas such as Champaign County and parts of Greene County. Those who participate are encouraged to either ask questions geared towards racial differences or share their own experiences with racism, said Denise Williams, the president of the local NAACP.
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The community discussion will be hosted on Zoom and will began at 6 p.m. It is slated to end at 7:30 p.m. and is titled “Town Hall Meeting-Racism: Up Close and Personal.”
Williams said she will be leading the conversation and wants people to feel free to ask questions they may not be comfortable doing so in other spaces. She said the goal is to build a better understanding among white and black residents.
In addition, she said that she wants to educate white residents who may not understand systemic issues faced by black communities across the country.
Williams said other topics that can come up during the virtual conversation could include what the “Black Lives Matter” movement is advocating for or why protest have occurred across the country following the May killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was in Minneapolis police custody.
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“It is important to push these topics to the forefront, especially now with everything that is going on nationally. The hope is that we can bring more awareness in the community and be able to come together more,”she added.
Williams added that the hope is to have the Wednesday evening event be the first of a monthly series that encourages residents to ask questions in a respectful manner and to clear up any misconceptions they may have regarding issues facing black residents.
Those interested can register for the event by following the link on the NAACP Springfield Ohio Facebook page.
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