Recent Events Reflecting Racism

 

While there was no formal agenda for the meeting, the participants engaged in a very lively and thought provoking set of discussions focusing on current issues.

 

Initially, individuals discussed and shared experiences related to the recent shooting of a young buy who approached somone else's property by mistake. The shooting of the 16 year old African American high school student garnered the most discussion.  Participants overall did not understand why the homeowner acted as he did, failing to call police or asking what the young man wanted.

 

A participant noted that at the recent NRA Convention, weapons were not permitted in lecture venues.

 

Open carry was discussed in relation to practices in Houston, as was, the recent move to allow concealed weapons without authorization.

 

It was acknowledged that weapons are accompanied by a frame of mind relative to the user.  This led to a discussion of the media and social media and the contribution some sources and platforms make to creating fear and anger.

 

The Dominion Voting vs.Fox News settlement was discussed.

 

Helane Rheingold then introduced herself and the topic for her talk at the May 5th meeting which will be African American artists before 1920.

 

The final topic discussed was the elements that define racism. It was agreed that superiority, privilege and power were elements critical to most definitions.

 

The next meeting will be May 5th at 10:00 AM PST.  Helane Rheingold will present on African American artists before 1920. Helane gave a previous presentation about Black artists that was very well received and we are fortunate to have her return to extend that presentation. All the art that she presents in her interactive session will be different from what was presented prior. There will also be new artists discussed who were not included in the previous presentation. We plan to record this presentatinon so that it will be available on our YouTube channel later for the benefit of those who are interested but unable to attend.

 

Helane is also working on another presentaion for our June 2nd meeting about African art. Both presentations being on the first Friday of the month, will be at 10am Pacific. 

 

More information is available on the Pasadena Village Event Calendar where guests are able to register. This is a public event and members and non-members are invited to register where they will recieve a link to the presentation.