| 2021 | TOPIC DESCRIPTION | NOTES & RESOURCES |
|---|---|---|
| February | Why are you interested in discussing race and racism? | What came up: – Talking about race and the way it shapes our lives, relationships and differences, is important – White people are not as familiar with talking about race so it feels new and uncomfortable; something we can learn about and become better at – Don’t want to live in a place that feels unwelcoming – Examples of police not recognizing racialization of violence until it is acknowledged publicly otherwise – Experiences of children of color who live in MB stopped by police – To open up hearts and minds, not to participate in “white saviorism” – To become better advocates for the community we want to live in – To know what to do or say when we are bystanders (or complicit) in the undignified treatment of neighbors and visitors to MB because of their race |
| March | Current Events in Manhattan Beach This month’s discussion centers on the heated debate around the legacy of Bruce’s Beach. We will discuss current day incidents of undignified treatment of Black people in Manhattan Beach based on the color of their skin. We will look at our community’s response to these current events and juxtapose them with the response to the use of eminent domain to remove Black residents from Manhattan Beach in the 1920s. | Resources: – Peace Paddle event – Racial slurs hurled at surfer – L.A. County response to Bruce’s Beach – Mitch Ward interview on Bruce’s Beach What came up: Residents organizing against an apology: – Worries/confusion over personal accusations of racism, instead of looking at systemic/historical patterns of injustice – Anonymity of this organizing This isn’t an isolated instance, but is occurring across the country |
| April | Addressing the History of Bruce’s Beach A lot continues to transpire surrounding Bruce’s Beach, with the MB City Council electing not to pass a resolution of apology on April 6 and LA County stepping in with plans, which will require action by the State, to have the land returned to the Bruce family. | Context of recent apologies issued in which MB City Council voted to not issue a formal apology: Kansas City Star LA Times Tampa City Council Greensboro, NC City Council Edinburgh City Council US House Resolution 194 City of Nova Scotia Austin City Council What came up when MB didn’t apologize: – Grief, embarrassment, shame – Those who opposed the apology presumably feel threatened/vulnerable – How might we apologize as citizens? – Similarities and differences to city politics a century ago – How to create a culture of bridging rather than breaking in the city, for example through a city committee of diversity, inclusion and equity |
May | The Trial of Derek Chauvin We’ll be discussing the trial of Derek Chauvin and it’s relevance to matters of race here in Manhattan Beach.How does Derek Chauvin trial impact the conversation about race? What does this mean for Manhattan Beach? | What came up: – It was difficult to be subjected to the trial at all – as if Chauvin’s guilt needs to be “proven” – The trial further divided people by race – Three people a day have been killed by police in the U.S. since then – including very close to the trial and here in California – An individual is often powerless in such situations, but a whole group can influence outcomes – There’s so much resistance to change and so much need for more empathy about how important change is for so many – Podcast: The Tight Rope, “unfiltered conversations with their esteemed guests, Dr. Cornel West and Professor Tricia Rose provide context, feedback, and guidance, helping us to adjust our moral compasses and find equilibrium in this tumultuous world.” |
| June | The Image of Manhattan Beach For decades, Manhattan Beach has been portrayed as a quaint beach town and tourist destination. In light of the exposure of the history of Bruce’s Beach and the city’s response, there has been increased media attention local and national. There are even stories circulating about several large-scale production companies showing interest in creating film and television projects on the history of Bruce’s Beach. Is your perception of our city changing? Is Manhattan Beach’s public image changing? If so, how does it affect you? | Current images of MB in the media: https://deadline.com/2021/05/bruces-beach-series-plan-b-viola-davis-julius-tennons-juvee-productions-amazon-1234761097/ https://www.dailybreeze.com/2021/05/20/bruces-beach-series-coming-to-amazon-will-detail-early-20th-century-african-american-diaspora/ |
| July | Skill building for discussions about race This month’s discussion will center on an open-ended and open-minded question: what are the competencies useful for talking about race? If it’s important to me to not be seen – by myself or others – as racist, what skills can I seek to develop in myself as I seek a better world for all people, regardless of race, political affiliation, or any other demographic characteristic? Through personal reflection, frank and brave conversation, and consideration of a few resources across the political spectrum, you’ll leave this session with a practical and personalized list of skills to consider. | What came up: – It’s impolite to talk about race – Fear of consequences – Anxiety about not knowing enough – There can be backlash Competencies we suggested: – Emotional intelligence – Knowledge of current and historical root causes – Learning skills – A sense of responsibility – Social skills |
| August | If not CRT, what instead? This month we will be exploring how to talk to and teach our children about race. For the past several months, CRT (Critical Race Theory) has been in the media nationally as well as in Manhattan Beach, with concern expressed about it being taught in our public schools. What exactly is CRT, and why is there so much opposition to it? What do you think schools should be teaching K-12 students about race? About history? What are competencies for talking about race with children? Through personal reflection and open dialogue, we will practice talking and thinking together about this hotly contested issue. | What came up: – This is part of a larger culture war – CRT is not in MBUSD – It’s not only coming from outside, but from people in MB – The history of racial classification under US law (i.e. what allowed you to be “white” by legal definition) – Does this history belong in MCHS classrooms? – Interest in knowing more about CRT |