Crossing the Cultural Divide
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
“Racism is so universal in this country, so widespread and deep seated, that it is invisible because it is so normal.”
-Shirley Chisholm, “Unbought and Unbossed”
The awakening in Yachats began in 2014 with a series of discussion groups.
“We were just a bunch of old hippies talking about racism and social injustice,” said Morgen Brodie, a Yachats resident since 2013. “After Philando Castile was killed in 2016 during a Minnesota traffic stop, discussions turned into book groups as people wanted to learn more.”
The inaugural Yachats Conference on Racial Equality and Understanding will continue the discussion, with a series of presentations and performances on July 22 and 23.
The Keynote Speaker, Karla Scott, helped guide the dialogue when the community began a conversation on change, according to Brodie. Scott is a PhD and Professor of Communication at Saint Louis University. She is the author of two books, most recently, “A Primer to talk about race and dialogue across identity divisions” and is a regular summer visitor to Yachats.
“With Karla’s help, we began to delve deeper and analyze the construct of racism,” Brodie said.
The conversation became a peaceful protest when the 2020 brutal killing of George Floyd inspired more than 70 people to carry signs on Highway 101 in Yachats, witnessing that Floyd mattered and his killing was unacceptable. It is a Saturday vigil that continues to this day and the first call to action for YSP, the Yachatians for Social Justice.
“People were angry and grief stricken and wanted to do something,” Brodie said. “Standing on a sidewalk doesn’t change the world but it does say we notice, we care, we will not support this violence, we will not disappear, we will continue to learn and act in our community and in the world.”
The questions about why this vigil continues prompted the idea for a conference about racial exclusion and social injustice. It is the logical next step for the group, to provide a learning experience to increase awareness of systemic racism and tools on how to alter familiar patterns. The conference will also offer specific communication strategies to bring about transformative and meaningful dialogues that can lead to social justice change.
“Many people don’t know how to talk about race,” Scott said. “We are not taught this in schools and this is an opportunity to understand the backstory of marginalized people. We are a multicultural society. This conference will take people on a journey, however it will be a safe place to land in order to develop understanding. There will not be finger pointing and nobody will feel bad because of their race.”
The two day conference will offer open conversation about diversity and dichotomy.
“Specifically, social theory and practice,” Brodie said. “The truth is, our country favors white people with money and the reality of white privilege is appalling. Think about it. How have you received what you have? What does it cost others? What is day to day life like for people of color, of other cultures? And how to seek justice?”
The lineup of speakers represent marginalized people of various cultures with Scott as the keynote speaker on Saturday at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church. She uses her primer as the foundation for her presentation, introducing the concepts of curiosity, commitment, courage and compassion as qualities to effect change.
A copy of the primer will be made available to every registrant.
Also on Saturday is Pete Erschen, Dean of Students at Pacific University. Next, Daniel Eisen, Professor of Sociology at Pacific University, will speak on Critical Race Theory.
“Many people don’t really comprehend what Critical Race Theory is about,” Scott said. “Dr. Eisen breaks it down fully with applications that are understandable.”
A special treat for “Yachatians” is a Saturday evening performance by soprano Alison Buchanan, artistic director of the Pegasus Opera Company in London. Buchanan performed several years with the Yachats Music Festival. She will sing a program of social justice themed music along with a Powerpoint presentation. Registration to this concert can be purchased separately
Presentations on Sunday at the Yachats Commons represent other cultures affected by racial bias. Chief Doc Slyter, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, will talk about building reconciliation between previously divided people. He will be followed by Alex Llumiquinga, program manager and community health worker at the Arcoiris Cultural and Olalla Center, and his connection to the Latinx, Indigenous and migrant populations in Lincoln County.
Both days will feature breakout workshops and the opportunity for questions.
“We learn through storytelling and each speaker from a range of cultures will share their story,” Scott said. “Truths and myths will be explored, as well as geographic racism, ancestral genocide and its impact on people of color. This conference represents an opportunity to hear about the effects of racism first hand. It is a safe space and speakers are there to answer any questions. The idea is to effect a small change in thinking or actions towards others.”
For information and the schedule of events, go to yachatiansforsocialjustice.com; registration at eventbrite.com, then enter the conference name. Registration fee is $80, $90 for the conference and concert, or $25 for the concert only. Early onsite registration available. scholarship assistance. If you have questions about registration or financial aid, call Mike LaBare at 503-539-4941.