Oregon City Library Hosts 'Building Bridges: Conversations About Race' Series

From the City of Oregon City:

Oregon City, Ore.—September, 16, 2019— Oregon City Public Library will be hosting Building Bridges: Conversations about Race, a program series meant to encourage an understanding of racism, racial identity, and how race impacts society. The topics explored will provide opportunities for participants to think critically, reflect, learn, internalize, and engage meaningfully with others in their community.

The program will take place every third Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM September through February, and each session will focus on a different topic:

• Oregon History (9/19/19)
• Cultural Appropriation versus Cultural Exchange (10/17/19)
• Race as a Social Construct (11/21/19)
• Connecting Across Racial Difference (12/19/19)
• Identity Development (1/16/20)
• Microaggressions (2/20/20)

The sessions will include a presentation on the topic as well as activities that will allow participants to share and discuss the issues raised.

Our program series will be led by longtime educator, activist, and Oregon native Alexis Braly.

"The work of healing communities is something I have always been passionate about," says Braly. "My lived experience has required cross cultural communication while straddling an African-American community on my father's side and a white-Irish community on my mother's side.

In my experience, healing begins with connection and the art of building bridges can only come from vulnerability, common language, and a passion for change. This six (6) month program looks to do all three and would not have been possible without the passion and engagement from the Oregon City community."

This press release was produced by the City of Oregon City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.