Southington leaders, residents discuss racism in the community

Southington Women for Progress in partnership with Harriett Beecher Stowe Center hosted a recent community conversation on racism with more than 70 local leaders, educators, and residents in attendance. The event followed a charged Board of Education meeting about racism in local schools as well as reports of a local teenager releasing a racist video on social media.

On Jan. 23, seven town council members, two board of education members, and many local teachers and community stakeholders gathered at First Baptist Church to talk about why racial “colorblindness” doesn’t work.

“Colorblind” is a controversial term sometimes used to describe a person that claims not to see race. This approach has been found to negate the experiences and heritages of people of color.

The discussion was led by three facilitators from the Stowe Center: Oliver Scholes, Aqua Drakes, and Katie Burton. The facilitators introduced topics about racism and equity and encouraged attendees to share their thoughts.

When facilitators asked why we cling to “colorblindness,” attendees suggested reasons such as, “it’s a misplaced attempt at empathy” and “general discomfort.” When asked what we can do instead of relying on “colorblindness,” attendees suggested, “acknowledging others’ experiences” and “engage people.”

“As a local mother of Latinx heritage, I find these conversations to be incredibly important. Moving away from colorblindness is a significant step toward eliminating racism,” said Dorie Conlon Perugini, an educator and a Southington Women for Progress member.

Toward the end of the event, the facilitators discussed ways to become “color-conscious” instead of “colorblind” and what it means to be an “ally.”

“Allies see color. White allies must see color in order to use their privilege to support the marginalized people in their lives. White people: listen to the people of color in your life when they talk about their experiences with racism. If you don’t know what to say, ask questions. Listening and learning are the first steps to leaving colorblindness behind and moving towards allyship,” stated facilitator Aqua Drakes.

Several community members also spoke about personal encounters with local acts of racism and the need for better solutions, particularly in the public school system. The group also addressed Connecticut as one of the most segregated states in the country.

While fewer than 10% of Southington residents identify as non-White, 15% of high school students and almost 19% of elementary school students are non-White. Teachers and administrators, however, are predominantly white, including entirely white staffs at six out of the eight public elementary schools.

Some attendees voiced the need for more teacher trainings and stronger diversity among school staff.

“Southington schools need to have a very targeted initiative to provide professional development on equity. It needs to be ongoing and it’s ok if it’s uncomfortable. And it needs to deepen over time,” said Joan Hurley, the 2008 Connecticut Teacher of the Year and a member of Southington Women for Progress.

While Southington Women for Progress had begun planning this community conversation a few months ago, interest spiked in recent weeks, leading to the group relocating the event to a larger space that could accommodate twice the number of participants. The event also had a waitlist.

Southington Women for Progress is planning future events on equity. On Feb. 8, they will hold another community conversation in partnership with the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center on talking to children about racism. On Apr. 8, they’ll hold a forum about equity in education, led by local and state education experts. All events are free but registration is required. More information can be found at www.southingtonwomenforprogress.org.

About Southington Women for Progress

Southington Women for Progress is a non-partisan group of forward-thinking Southington residents. Echoing the town’s tagline, “City of Progress,” the group is committed to making Southington a more just and equitable place for all residents. Website: www.SouthingtonWomenForProgress.org.