Opening up a dialogue was one of the themes at a pair of forums last week that explored the issue of racism and hate in the community.
Held in North Delta on March 13 and in South Delta on March 14, the forums were hosted by the Delta Organizing against Racism and Hate Committee. The events brought together committee members, school district and city officials, Delta police and interested community members to share experiences, insights and awareness.
“We need to see more and more people opening up their heart, their mind and their ears,” said committee member Rhiannon Bennett in her opening remarks at Thursday’s forum at Ladner’s Harris Barn. “This is not a comfortable thing to come together and talk about. As a person of colour – as an Indigenous woman – it causes me a great deal of angst when I’m the only one in the room to talk about this. I want all of us here to hold this space and listen to the truth that is presented here by all our speakers, so we can be of one heart and one mind and we can work together.
“There is division in our community,” said the former school trustee. “There is hate and racism in our community and it’s up to each of us here to work on addressing that. Pointing out that racism and that hate isn’t being divisive or hateful. Nothing is going to get better unless we have these difficult conversations and work on solutions together.”
According to the committee, Delta is now the 33rd community in the province to host a forum. The committee is part of the B.C. Anti-Racism Network, which was established in 2001.
“Delta is diverse in many ways, but unfortunately, where there is diversity there is the possibility of misunderstanding, miscommunication, disagreement and conflict, harassment and even violence,” said Mayor George Harvie. “We are very fortunate in Delta to have skilled and trained police, teachers and community workers to identify and address these issues for the benefit of all members of our community.
“Knowledge is the first tool against violence of any source and it’s through evenings like tonight where we can come together and leverage ways to make it stop.”
Delta School District superintendent Doug Sheppard said it’s important to address any issues in the most appropriate way.
“There are issues and we want a better community, which is why these discussions are so important and vital. We want to continue the great work of this committee and ensure our role in making this a better community for all us.”
