Five years after Justified Anger’s Community Potluck first brought together 375 Madisonians to have open, frank discussions about race relations in Madison, the group is inviting area residents to continue the conversation. This year, area community members will be asked to reflect on what’s been done and what is left to be done, according to a press release from Nehemiah Community Development Center, which houses the Justified Anger Coalition.
The Justified Anger Community Potluck, scheduled for Sunday, October 13 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., will return to James Madison Memorial High School. The event will be a safe place for non-black people to talk about racism, while providing residents with the necessary resources to mobilize individuals to take action in their own lives.
During the gathering Rev. Dr. Alex Gee will speak about the continued need for the Justified Anger initiative and share details on new developments to the work being done. Attendees will be able to connect with others who share their passion about racial equity and authentically discuss race relations, leaving the event with practical next steps and resource to help them eliminate racial disparities in their own lives.
“When groups from different racial groups get together in Madison it is to talk about problems. The beauty of the last potluck is that we shared stories and we felt like we had an opportunity to celebrate something, instead of put out fires,” Gee said in a statement. “The reason we want do this community potluck is that when you sit down and break bread together it gives a sense that you’re unified and want to focus on a common good. I think the community needs wins. We are so divided in our country and to plan a gathering where we talk about how we build solutions together and work together is so much more energizing than coming together to fix problems.”
In the press release, organizers said RSVPs are encouraged and can be made at this Eventbrite link. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share with eight to ten others, or paper plates, cups, utensils, etc.
