First hour: How to have conversations about race
Second hour: Discussing the history and importance of Juneteenth
This hour, we talk with three local friends who share some of the difficult and productive conversations they’ve had about race. A local white racial justice advocate says she’s had humbling discussions with African American friends about the impact of social media posts made by white allies like herself. She says she didn’t realize how certain images or content can be traumatizing, and it’s important for white people to listen and not shy away from uncomfortable conversations. We dive into those conversations with our guests:
- Johnita Anthony, Brighton resident
- Norman Simmons, Rochester resident
- Megan Clifford, Brighton resident
Then in our second hour, how much do you know about Juneteenth? Our guests say it’s likely the answer is “not enough.” Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, and there have been calls to make June 19th a federal holiday. This hour, we discuss the history of Juneteenth, its importance – especially during this current moment in our country – and the Black Lives Matter movement. Our guests:
- Gloria Johnson-Hovey, race director for the Roc Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk
- Rev. Myra Brown, pastor of Spiritus Christi Church, and founder of the Spiritus Christi Anti-Racism Coalition
- Elizabeth Osta, co-chair of the First Universalist Initiative for Racial Equity
- Mary Heveron-Smith, member of Spiritus Christi Church, and member of the Spiritus Christi Anti-Racism Coalition
