The Welcome Table

An Era of Dialogue on Race

A project of the Mississippi Coalition for Racial Justice.

beginnings

In 2005, a group of citizens from diverse faith and social communities came together to explore what Mississippi might look like if it were a social justice state. What might be the conversations and actions we would undertake to make Mississippi a better place for everyone specifically through overcoming racism?

The Mississippi Coalition for Racial Justice, as the group became known, decided to promote educational dialogue in communities that would lead toward achieving justice across the state. We believe that change comes through dialogue and relationship building, followed by effective community action.

our task

In June 2006, the group kicked off a year of dialogue around the state with a gathering of over 300 citizens at the state capitol. Dialogue projects began in each of the four congressional districts over the next year, but one lesson emerged: there are a number of Mississippians who want to address issues of race and who understand the obstacles that race has placed before their communities' development. Many, however, don't know where to begin and are afraid to do the wrong thing and so they don't act. So, while there is much interest in engaging in dialogue (and moving toward substantive action), there is a great need to build the capacity of citizens to engage in such dialogue effectively.

Thus, with support from the Fetzer Institute and the Kellogg Foundation, we will begin an era of dialogue on race, beginning with a pilot training program in Fall 2008, and continuing with a 12-18 month statewide training program in Fall 2009.

We stand on the cusp of change, which could be positive or negative. Leadership will make the difference. We can be better together than we were apart. We can build a beloved South.

mission

The Mississippi Coalition for Racial Justice believes that economic and community development and civic change are inextricably linked to equity and respect. We are committed to engaging a wide variety of partners and community members to address past and continuing equities caused by exclusion and racism. The Mississippi Coalition for Racial Justice hopes now to offer a long term vision of individual and systemic change to advance social justice and quality of life in Mississippi.