Working for Racial Equality is soliciting stories for ‘Saying the Unsaid’, a public story-telling project from members of our community about their experiences with racism and privilege. Written stories will be shared first through a virtual exhibit, and ultimately on a “story wall” in venues throughout the community.
This project is being initiated by Working for Racial Equality, a group of people working together in Archuleta County, Colorado to dismantle systemic racism in our community and nationwide through education and nonviolent action.
Saying the Unsaid is meant to increase awareness of cultural diversity, foster conversation and encourage understanding as we strive toward becoming a more equitable and tolerant community.
“We are launching ‘Saying The Unsaid’ in the hope that thinking about and sharing our personal experiences with racism will be the first step in a conversation that will lead to deeper understanding and changes in people’s hearts and minds,” said group member Naomi Julian.
Interested storytellers are invited to share a personal experience, story, hopes and fears. Submissions should be no more than 350 words, and can describe the experience, the feelings that arose, and any action or desire for action that the experience created. Participants make their submissions through a confidential online form available at sites.google.com/view/wrepagosa. Posted stories are also available to read on that website. Drop-boxes will be made available for manual submission, and Spanish-language submissions will be accepted.
Working For Racial Equality was formed to help our communities discover the ways in which we consciously and unconsciously participate in an American society that benefits some racial groups at the expense of others. Group member Anna Ramirez said, “Last summer after the killing of George Floyd we asked ourselves, what do we need to do to be part of the solution? Some of us began to meet weekly to process our experiences with racism and to explore ways to dismantle it and to build racial equity into the foundations and systems of America. Saying The Unsaid is our first project to come out of those conversations.”
Working For Racial Equality is interested in partnering with local community and civic organizations in the region to make their members aware of the project by disseminating informational materials such as the attached flyer.
To join us or learn more about the Saying The Unsaid project and Working For Racial Equality, visit sites.google.com/view/wrepagosa or contact workingforracialequality@gmail.com.
The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com