Oak Ridge Periodic Tables
Racial Bridging Series 2023
IAs we increasingly encounter and come to know the hidden history of the Scarboro 85 many in our city have been inspired to listen, learn, and dive deeper into trusting, healing relationships. We want these gatherings to be a chance for us to explore the impact race has had on each of us. Some of the questions that inspired us to host this series were: What does our history tell us about the work we need to do today to heal? What are the stories we may not know about each other’s experience in Oak Ridge? How can we build trust together so that we can work together for an Oak Ridge that works for all of us?
We have carefully considered who to invite for this inaugural series, and you came to mind. We will gather for 4 meals together, where we will deepen our exploration together- and consider how deeper relationships with one another can lend itself towards healing and an Oak Ridge that works for all of us.
The gathering dates will be on Sunday’s beginning in September and will include a catered lunch coupled with guided discussions around the table. The dates are: Sunday, September 10, 17, and 24 with a final celebration gathering to be held Sunday, October 22. We ask that you join us for all of them, as this significantly contributes to the richness of our discussions and the trust we can build together. During our series we will have the honor of having members of the Scarboro 85 share their insights and experiences with us, offering valuable perspectives on our shared history. Additionally, program attendees will gain access to the transformative Freedom Day: Journey of Hope Tour which highlights significant sites in Oak Ridge of the African American experience from slavery to Freedom.
The dinners, connecting with the Scarboro 85, and the Journey of Hope Tour will help us to explore what other stories in our community have gone untold.
After we go through this series together, we will invite interested participants to help us extend the circle by offering a second round of this series in the spring for a larger group of Oak Ridgers.
