By: TK Layman Staff Writer
“Racism is an emotion filled topic,” Willamette University sociology professor Emily Drew began her lecture. “If we’re aware, we are feeling something.”
The night began as attendees gathered in the Anderson Room of the Salem Public Library for the first installation of Oregon Humanities’ “Conversation Project:” a series of lectures given by community leaders to engage members in a thoughtful discussion of the world around them.
Drew led the night discussing Oregon’s image on race in her presentation titled “Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon.”
The first discussion began with a quote by W.E.B. Du Bois, “The problem of the 100 years ahead of us,” Drew repeated, “is a problem of ‘the color line.’” With that quote in mind, the groups engaged in thoughtful conversation about perceptions of race during the Civil Rights Era to today.
Throughout the night the audience broke off into small groups to discuss with their peers about several topics including ideas such as the prevalence of “Sun Down Towns” within Oregon. Drew cited a study conducted by James Lowen and a team of graduate students that found a collection of “Sun Down Towns,” or a town within the state where minority groups may feel unsafe or unwelcome. The groups got together and expressed their surprise and concern with the list of Oregon cities seen today as “Sun Down Towns;” Drew led the discussion back toward the community, tied it into Portland’s presence not on the list and their vision of diversification.
A common perception of Portland has sources, such as The New Geographer, believing it has a lack of racial diversification. Drew, unshaken, proved otherwise stating recent studies.
“The Coalition of Communities of Color studying Multnomah county,” Drew said, “1-out-of-3 people living in Multnomah county are people of color
.”
Before the final group discussion, a U.S. Census Data report was displayed for the audience to see the diverse makeup of those living in Salem and had audience members engaged thinking critically of the identities of those on the census.
Drew closed out the discussion looking for community thoughts on how to create a more equitable and inclusive community, prompting more group thinking and reflection. Each group shared their insights as they worked together toward a common goal of creating a holistic environment for all.
The Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project continues their series on Feb. 2, with speaker Kerani Mitchell and her presentation titled “Where Are You From?”
For those interested in being a part of the community discussions, the event will be held at the Salem Public Library, Thursday Feb. 2 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Anderson Room.
To learn more about Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project, go to www.oregonhumanities.org/programs/conversation-project
