Numerous events are taking place throughout the region in observance of Black History Month. One of the goals: just getting to know one another.
“That’s so important,” said Reverend Tony Franklin with Full Gospel Church in Galesburg.
“We’re all humans, when it comes down to it. We’re all equal in the eyes of God.”
Franklin has been doing diversity training for quite a few years. He put his experience to work in Macomb, where he led a session revolving around the documentary film, Racial Taboo.
Franklin said people need to talk about race and break down race-related fears, and the film can help stimulate conversations.
He said a key is to bring people together around common interests. Franklin said each person has to step up and look for opportunities to get to know people from other backgrounds.
“Seek it out. Go to places. I’m a church man. Come and visit my church and hang out for a little bit. Get to know some people,” Franklin said.
“Go out and have lunch with someone. Invite somebody to a movie. Just spend some time with people.”
He believes Americans need to find common ground or risk having a country that is always divided.
“It started out with the north and the south. Now you’re starting to see the difference between the red and blue. You have differences socio-economically,” he said.
“So many things are separating us. We need to try to knock down these barriers that are destroying our society. We need to come together as people, unified as one.”
He said society will be stronger if people come together as one.
Franklin hoped people who attended the event walked away with a better understanding of what they can do to break down barriers.
Cara Erude, Co-President of One Human Family-Macomb, was pleased with the turnout and the conversations that took place.
She said One Human Family is about respect, dignity, and providing a place where people can feel welcome in the community.
“I hope we’re making it easier for my children to succeed in the world – and not just mine, but every little person of color out there. Just knowing that they have a sense of belonging, that they are seen, heard, loved, respected,” Erude said.
The event was held at the Western Illinois University Multicultural Center.
One Human Family hosted the event along with the City of Macomb, the Western Illinois University Multicultural Center, Illinois Extension, the Shared Community Action Group, and the Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency Victim Services.
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