Community conversation this week in Modesto will face racism in Stanislaus County
Community members from all backgrounds are invited to join in a public conversation Thursday about racism.
In Solidarity is a free event where residents can gather, share and listen to the realities of those who continue to face racism in Stanislaus County. It’s being organized by 209: Youth Empowerment, a nonprofit group that inspires youth and families to improve their communities through civic engagement, educational programming and conversations on mental well-being. The event also is also hosted and sponsored City Ministries Network, a faith-based nonprofit seeking to transform the region, and by The Unincorporated, a storytelling project aimed at amplifying marginalized voices in the region.
A wealth of research and the human experience show racism is systemically embedded into our society, affecting employment opportunities, health care, education, housing, the environment and more. It stems from the belief that race determines human traits and capabilities and that the differences produce an inherently superior race, according to Merriam-Webster.
Organizers said they hope Thursday’s conversation brings a collective awareness that racism persists.
Three quarters (76% of each) of Blacks and Asians and more than half (58%) of Hispanics say they’ve experienced discrimination or been treated unfairly because of their race or ethnicity at least from time to time, according to Pew Research. Research further shows that a majority of Americans (65%) agree that since the election of former president Donald Trump, it’s more common for people to express racist or racially insensitive views.
Nancy Martinez, founder of 209: Youth Empowerment, said she feels race conversations often have been geared toward an audience of county leaders, failing to incorporate the voices of the community. Though Stanislaus County leaders are welcome to join Thursday’s conversation in downtown Modesto, she wants officials to realize that there’s an urgent need to have these gatherings and that community members want a space to talk.
“Let’s get together and unite … so that we can all be on the same page as we move forward,” she said.
Over 100 people have already registered for the event, Martinez said. She adds that the primary focus will be to build relationships.
The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Christian church Redeemer Modesto, at H and Ninth streets. Free refreshments will be provided.
Social-distancing guidelines will be in place and masks are required to attend.
Faculty from California State University, Stanislaus, will open the discussion with an explanation of racism, Martinez said. Up to three participants will share their testimonies with the entire room.
The larger group will be divided into smaller groups of 10 people, where individuals can share about themselves and their experiences. Participants also will have the chance to identify areas of improvement, including how the community can be more connected and diverse.
The Unincorporated, recently founded by Modesto resident Emmanuel “Manny” Escamilla, will feature the stories of marginalized individuals in the county, whose voices often go unheard. Moreover, the storytelling project will include residents’ visions for the community, which organizers hope will cause people to advocate for the changes they want to see.
Martinez said there is no set plan for what might come out of the event. There is, however, a desire for a more inclusive event that caters to Spanish-speakers and other races and ethnicities, she said.
The event will not be live-streamed. The beginning will be recorded and later posted on 209: Youth Empowerment social media, but organizers want to stay away from recording small group conversations.
As of Tuesday, event registration had nearly reached its capacity of 140 people. Those interested in participating can register online at Eventbrite.
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 2:45 PM.
