'Why We Kneel' Confronts Race Issues In Oak Park Wednesday

OAK PARK, IL — Suburban Unity Alliance is holding an open dialogue on race to help address issues that can sometimes be difficulty for people to talk about. "Why We Kneel," which takes its name from the recent NFL controversy with players who take a knee during the national anthem, will be held at Live Café Wednesday night at 7 p.m.

The event aims to bring community members together to collaborate to "identify action steps in eliminating systemic racism."

"Why We Kneel" was slated for October, but was rescheduled after a student's blackface image was shared online by Suburban Unity Alliance leader and Oak Park-River Forest high school teacher Anthony Clark to promote public discussion on race. The image, which was promptly removed, led to Clark's temporary suspension from work. After an outpouring of support from students, colleagues, and the community, he was reinstated.

That incident served to bring race to the forefront of discussion at a school that has experienced racial discord in the past, including an incident of anti-Semitic graffiti over the summer.

The community is invited to take part in "Why We Kneel" at Live Café, 163 S. Oak Park Ave. from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

>>Image via GoogleMaps Streetview