“Moving Forward: A Summit on Race Relations,” will be the topic of the discussion among student leaders from the metro Jackson area. The event, which will be held in Holmes Hall on the campus of Tougaloo College Sunday, Feb. 20, at 3 p.m. is sponsored by Mission Mississippi.
The facilitated discussion is a collaborative effort between Mission Mississippi and the student bodies of Belhaven University, Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College and Tougaloo College.
The purpose of this event, which is the third of a series of college dialogs hosted by Mission Mississippi, is to continue to challenge the younger generation to engage the issue of race relations.
Mission Mississippi, a nationally recognized ecumenical racial reconciliation group, will facilitate small group discussion intended to promote understanding and cooperation across racial lines. Mission Mississippi’s goal is to spark discussion and create bonds that will help students form relationships with other colleges and races.
The student governments participating in this series have invited students, faculty and staff to participate. At the conclusion of the summit, students will have the opportunity to continue the dialogue by joining monthly discussion groups in order to practically achieve Mission Mississippi’s goal. Once inspired to converse and fellowship, people can see past outer divisions. Millsaps College student, Jayson Porter, shared his experiences of the summit and racial reconciliation discussion group. “I enjoy hearing, and better understanding the ways in which white people view the same world I view. For the most part, our perceptions are quite similar…this groups works at breaking down the barriers…”
In the future, Mission Mississippi envisions partnering with other colleges to host racial reconciliation summits on their campuses, in order to facilitate the continuation of open dialogue between the races.
Neddie Winters, president of Mission Mississippi, recently stated at the previous summit, “It takes intelligence and intentionality to stay at the table.” This is an action that Mission Mississippi strives to inspire everyone to do just that.
Please contact the Mission Mississippi office at 601-353-6477 for more information on this event.
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