Building Bridges is a volunteer organization founded to overcome racism through compelling dialogue, community building and a call to action.
The social struggle against racism and bigotry has never really ended in the USA. Besides the continuing bias against minorities, there is the NEW enemy, "Muslim Fear and Hatred." The beat goes on.
...Nearly 20 years ago, (click here) Building Bridges of Asheville initiated this program to give people of different races opportunities for frank discussions about racism; to explore and clarify their own beliefs and biases, and their complicity in racism; to understand and respect differing perspectives and experiences; to build honest relationships; and to experience the social and spiritual aspects of racial reconciliation.
“Why is this work still necessary in 2012?” some people ask. “After all, we have a black president; in fact Obama won North Carolina in 2008 by a small margin. Asheville elected an African-American mayor.” Many white people claim that Asheville, N.C., is racially progressive....• The median net worth among white families is twenty times that of black families—a difference of over $100,000.
• Even when a black person has a college degree, he or she is nearly twice as likely as a white person to be unemployed.
• Even when their credentials are the same, a white man with a criminal record is more likely to be called back for a job interview than a black man without a record.
• Two-thirds of people in jails and prisons are black and brown, while only a third are white....
