(Photo by Andrea Waxman)

Reporting on this event, organized to address issues surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, I found it heartening to see people from other communities listening to African-American leaders speak about police killings of black men and other aspects of racial inequality in an informal setting. Attendees also heard speakers and performers express themselves through song, dance and poetry.

One young woman who attended pointed out that the gathering provided an opportunity to go beyond talking about community involvement and actually participate.
In a city as segregated as ours, it is difficult to bring diverse people together for openhearted listening and learning. Venice Williams and the other artists and activists who organized the event overcame the barriers and continue to provide opportunities for people to listen and connect.

Click below to read the story.

Diverse group gathers in Alice’s Garden to address racial oppression