DEDICATED TO BJ ALUMS FOUNDER HARRY LIGGETT 1930-2014, BJ NEWSROOM LEGEND 1965-1995, AND TO JOHN OLESKY JR., 1932-2024, BJ MAINSTAY 1969-1996 AND BLOG EDITOR 2014-2024.
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Monday, January 21, 2008
Coming Together is falling apart
It had to happen on Martin Luther King Day. Coming Together is falling apart.
t's always sad to see the end of something good, especially when you were a part - albeit a small part - of the beginning.
When the BJ decided to sponsor a 'coming together' meeting to discuss possible ways to overcome the racial divide that was revealed in the 'Question of Color' series, an invitation was extended to employees to help out at the meeting which was to be held at the Tangier. I believe I was one of only two people from the production side to volunteer. I was assigned to be a table leader and during a training session, was told that my main job was to ensure that all members of my table had an equal chance to express their feelings and ideas. That day turned out to be one of the most memorable events of my 43 years at the Beacon.
There was an initial period of awkwardness as we started but as the conversation continued, folks began to realize that although they came from different backgrounds and experiences, they all had the same concerns re: the racial inequality and prejudice that still existed in our community and they were genuinely relieved that they finally had an opportunity to share their own frustrations and concerns. Everyone had their own take on how to deal with this problem but only once or twice did I have step in to keep the conversation on the right track. Out of this and subsequent meetings the Coming Together project got off to a start.
I hope that even with the demise of the Coming Together program, we will continue to find ways to speak openly about the insidious effects that prejudice brings to our community. It is only when it is hidden that it has any power. Brought into the light, it is revealed for what it is; a lie that has no substance.
t's always sad to see the end of something good, especially when you were a part - albeit a small part - of the beginning.
ReplyDeleteWhen the BJ decided to sponsor a 'coming together' meeting to discuss possible ways to overcome the racial divide that was revealed in the 'Question of Color' series, an invitation was extended to employees to help out at the meeting which was to be held at the Tangier. I believe I was one of only two people from the production side to volunteer. I was assigned to be a table leader and during a training session, was told that my main job was to ensure that all members of my table had an equal chance to express their feelings and ideas. That day turned out to be one of the most memorable events of my 43 years at the Beacon.
There was an initial period of awkwardness as we started but as the conversation continued, folks began to realize that although they came from different backgrounds and experiences, they all had the same concerns re: the racial inequality and prejudice that still existed in our community and they were genuinely relieved that they finally had an opportunity to share their own frustrations and concerns. Everyone had their own take on how to deal with this problem but only once or twice did I have step in to keep the conversation on the right track. Out of this and subsequent meetings the Coming Together project got off to a start.
I hope that even with the demise of the Coming Together program, we will continue to find ways to speak openly about the insidious effects that prejudice brings to our community. It is only when it is hidden that it has any power. Brought into the light, it is revealed for what it is; a lie that has no substance.
Pat Dougherty