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| Lee County Stands Up Against Racism By Gino Casanova Lehigh Acres High School FT. MYERS - Racism (noun) The belief in the superiority of one of the divisions of mankind over another. Isn't this dictionary meaning a mouthful? Racism has done more than its share to fill the mouths, fists and minds of Americans with hate. There are many types of racism, but let's just focus on one type: that which exists between Caucasians and African Americans. In the past, many Caucasians thought they were superior to the African Americans, but in time, the number of these Caucasians dwindled. Through laws, civil rights and activists, racism has shrunk considerably in America. A lot of problems start with the word minority. It classifies African Americans and people of other racial backgrounds who are not Caucasian. This word should not be used for African Americans because they are becoming a majority in America. By 2000, one in three Americans will be a person of color. Another problem is segregation. When someone is separated because of his or her color or background, racism starts to happen. Segregation is not as big a problem as it was in the 60's, but it is still around. In Birmingham, Alabama for instance, in schools it is still legal. Many of you are familiar with some of the key people in the fight to stop racism. Perhaps the most famous was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He was a great civil rights activist, and his speeches on how to stop racism are still quoted in the hearts and minds of citizens today. Rosa Parks is another warrior in this fight. She opposed segregation by sitting in the front of a bus, a place where only white people could sit. People like these two give us great examples of peace-makers. If we follow in their footsteps, racism will subside. That is the belief held by members of Lee County Pulling Together. This group formed in early 1997 because Fort Myers was deemed "one of the most segregated cities in the South." Concerned citizens met to see what could have been done; the result was Study Circles, groups that meet to discuss and suggest solutions to local issues. These circles meet locally and look for ways to stop racism. Close friendships are made between nationalities, which is one way Lee County Pulling Together is working. Annie Estland, the coordinator of the organization, helps volunteers find the right work to do for community service, and writes a column in the News Press about racism and the organization. Eastland also trains facilitators for the Study Circles, ``I get people to come to the circles. I also help with publicity for Lee County Pulling Together.`` Eastland also says there are many positive things happening in Lee County, ``and they are overshadowing racism. People are realizing that a person is a person and the color of their skin doesn't change that.`` Yet, Eastland says there are some problems with racism, but she deals with it in a positive way as well. The Lee County Pulling Together is partnered with the Black History Society and are trying to develop a Black History Tour in Fort Myers. ``We are also planning to make a multi-racial cookbook and build a playground for underprivileged children and, of course, we are planning the Spring Study Circle Sessions,`` Eastland adds. Programs like these are being started all over the nation, and if people in their communities get together and solve the local problems, racism will not prevail in the end, ``it is so exciting to see dreams come true,`` said Eastland. For
more information about the Study Circles in Lee County write or
call: |
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