Racial Healing:  Suspicion…Why and at What Cost?

Racial Healing: Suspicion…Why and at What Cost?

Monday, February 07, 2022

ABOUT THE EVENT

In observance of Black History Month, Phoenixville Public Library is pleased to host speaker Anita Friday, founder of Open Hearts: A Path for Racial Healing, in a virtual presentation on Monday, February 7 at 7:00 PM. Her program is entitled, “Suspicion… Why and at What Cost?” In her presentation, Anita will speak of racism, stereotypes and the necessity for our communities to strengthen relationships across color lines and have more courageous conversations. She will explore the historical roots of racism in our country and how they manifest in our present-day interactions. The presentation is an introduction to the narratives that have been used to define African American and white interaction throughout this nation’s history and the impact those narratives have had on the nation and its inhabitants as a whole. In addition, further attention will be given to why these narratives have been created and what the costs have been for all. Participants will develop a historically based definition of racism. Ultimately, each participant will be offered tools which can be used to join the battle to create a more just nation.

Anita Friday graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics and subsequently attended Georgetown University Law School. After graduation from Georgetown she worked as in-house corporate counsel for Marriott Corporation in the DC metropolitan area. Stamford, Connecticut became her home and she was a partner in the first law firm featuring an African American male and African American female as partners in the state. In addition to practicing law she was a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Stamford and organized a minority parent’s association for Stamford public schools. She also served on a variety of boards and provided pro bono legal advice to at risk teen parents regarding emancipation, continuing education and parenting. Since moving to Pennsylvania she has served as a member of the Anti-Racism Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. She created a multi-cultural curriculum on Native Americans for elementary students at the Baldwin School. She has conducted forums at various religious institutions, public spaces and schools regarding issues of race and developed curriculum designed to facilitate racial healing. She has been a panelist at various events.

This event is free and open to the public and will be held online via Zoom. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/racial-healing or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. Email mpinto@ccls.org for more information or assistance with using Zoom.