The Peace Center Continues Hate-Related Programs: 'Dialogue on Race' and 'Tools to Dismantle Racism'

LANGHORNE BOROUGH >> The Peace Center continues to be extremely active since the number of hate incidents has increased in the area.

Each month, The Peace Center holds a “Dialogue on Race” at a place of worship in Bucks County where people of various faiths, ethnicities, ages, etc… gather to talk openly and honestly about current issues relevant to race in our communities and the nation.

The next dialogue is set to meet at the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown, 6055 Swamp Road, Fountainville on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the newest initiative is The Peace Center’s "Dialogue on Race for Youth." Through the community "Dialogues on Race" a strong portion of young people have emerged as leaders and wish to work together to become agents of change in their communities.

The inaugural meeting included students representing four different school districts who have committed to working together to stand up against hate in their schools and communities. The goal is to have school districts, both public and private in Bucks County, represented. This program takes place at The Peace Center on Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Gayle Evans, a peace educator at The Peace Center said, "Like many communities across America, Bucks County has seen an increase in reported hate incidents. The Peace Center has witnessed a 25-percent increase in reports from individuals of harassment, taunting, hate speech and vandalism directed at them because of race, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity."

This increase has been documented and reported to the Southern Poverty Law Center as per their request.

"Angst and fear are prevalent among these groups that have been targeted and/or victimized," Evans noted. "Vigilance and the support of these vulnerable populations by the many community members who are standing up and speaking up against these despicable acts must continue."

She said The Peace Center continues to take action other action regarding racism in Bucks County. The Peace Center:

• has joined and participated in vigils held in several communities in Bucks County to stand up and speak up against hatred and racism.
• is part of the newly formed "OneBucks" coalition which was created to provide a rapid response system mobilizing members of the coalition to respond to incidents of hate in the county.
• offers training in Leadership and Cultural Awareness to schools and teachers who are facing ever increasing intolerance among its students.
• offers a workshop entitled "Tools to Dismantle Racism." A series of day long workshops held once a month, participants will learn about the history of racism, how learning more deeply about their own cultural roots can sensitize you to other cultures, gain tools in interrupting racism and discrimination and how to become an ally for people of Color.

OneBucks will hold a town-hall style meeting on a date to be announced to address the recent distribution of KKK literature to residents of the Northampton community.

These workshops are scheduled for Saturdays, March 25 and May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Peace Center.

For information, please visit www.thepeacecenter.org or call 215-750-7220.