[Antiracism] The Struggle Continues - July 7th meeting

[zanSS at hampshire.edu]

                      Meeting: Creating a Plan to Move Forward
                      When: Thurs, July 7th
                      Time: 6:30-8:30pm
                      Where: Hampshire College, FPH Faculty Lounge

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Greetings Friends,

Even as the temperature and humidity continue to rise, we hope this message
finds you in good health and spirit.  Those of us charged with planning a follow
up meeting to the summit are writing to follow up on our last
communication about post-summit activities.  First of all, we would like to
thank all of you who have given us your feedback about "The Struggle Continues!"
organizing process and summit.  A number of people in our community were, and
continue to be, particularly vocal about their thoughts, concerns, and
suggestions about the process, product, and possible next steps.  While we had
originally planned to have just the two scheduled evaluation meetings on May
17th & 18th, we were able to get even more feedback through formal and informal
conversations that have been ongoing since April 30th.  

Two consistent points of view came up in the feedback when people talked about
next steps:

* Pause, reflect, and think of ways to create a more inclusive and
sustainable anti-racist movement, recognizing that there were many community
organizers who were not able to participate in the summit.
* Don't pause, but harness the momentum of the summit and move forward, creating
ways for the ideas that were shared at the summit to be realized.

We also talked about creating ways for others to take on the leadership for next
steps.  We would like to invite those who have strong ideas about these issues
to come to the table for a conversation on Thursday, July 7th.  Recognizing that
this is very short notice, we would like to apologize, but will be sure to share
the minutes.  We see this meeting as another oportunity for these folks to come
together, and a chance to create a post-summit committee who will plan a larger
follow-up meeting for the end of the summer or early Fall, and send out
save-the-date postcards in advance. 

Please feel free to send us any questions, concerns or suggestions regarding
this matter.  Also, please let us know if you will be able to attend the July
7th meeting.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email.

Sincerely

Zawadi Nyong'o
Elaina Ellis
Mary Bombardier
Jo Comerford
Sara Littlecrow-Russel


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