"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
~James Baldwin

Fifty years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, we're still grappling with the ugly reality of racism in America. Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is no exception. Regular acts of violence and hatred targeted at people of color, as well as smaller everyday acts of exclusion, prevent our communities from being truly equal, welcoming and inclusive.

In his last book, Dr. King asked: "Where Do We Go From Here - Chaos or Community?" The Community Allies: For Safety, Trust and Respect is a thoughtful, dedicated group exploring the potential of the greater Hardwick Area to cultivate safe spaces, trust, and respectful conversations which encourage positive change. The Community Allies invite you to join a conversation on Tuesday, May 22nd from 5-8 p.m. at the Memorial Building in Hardwick, to hear voices and stories from our area speak to the painful truth of racism in 2018 - and how it affects and damages ALL members of our community. If you are interested in a safe, trustworthy, and respectful Hardwick for all, we welcome you to join us. We'll bring the pizza and provide childcare. We ask you to bring your hopes, fears, questions, and love.

For more information, contact Tara Reynolds: tara@wholeheartinc.org or visit: http://www.wholeheartinc.org/community-allies/