Hope in the Cities, based in Richmond, Va., trains organizations in a six-week process similar to that used by the Center for Healing Racism. The method is now being used in Hartford, Conn., Portland, Ore., Natchez, Miss., and at least nine other cities, said Corcoran. The discussion model encourages participants to acknowledge the history of racism that has existed. I don't know why this is, but experience has shown that it is the case. Doug Shipman, a banker, is currently facilitating small meetings at a black Baptist church and a predominantly white Episcopal church.
Personal conversations allow participants to see things from each other's viewpoint.
This has been a real hope-reviver for me. Hope in the Cities' model of transforming attitudes doesn't appeal to everyone, particularly those who use a more confrontational approach, concedes the Rev. Dr. Paige Chargois, one of the group's organizers. There are some leaders we've encountered who won't take part in our work, because they don't think we're taking the right approach. Regardless of the techniques they used, community groups welcomed President Clinton's support for a national dialogue about race. I think we need some national leadership in this area.