Quincy, Ill., gathers to take action on racism

Fifth action forum for Quincy study circles program set for Saturday

by Edward Husar

April 21, 2009 | Quincy Herald-Whig | Quincy, Illinois

Originally published on 4/15/2009

Quincy's "Many Voices, One Goal" study circles program will hold its fifth action forum from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at First Baptist Church, 739 N. Eighth.

The forum will give study circle participants a chance to present "ideas for change." Participants will then get an opportunity to take part in any resulting task forces to plan and carry out a proposed course of action. The public is invited.

The Quincy Human Rights Commission and the YWCA co-sponsor the program. Study circles are small-group discussions that let participants express concerns and share ideas on race-related issues and other social ills that can affect the quality of life in Quincy.

Four study circles met this spring for six weeks, bringing to 21 the total number of study circles in Quincy since the program was launched in September 2006. More than 200 people have participated in the sessions.

Several action forums have been held in the past, resulting in the formation of several task forces. One group brought about the creation of the Quincy Cultural Festival, which has been held the past two years. Planning is now under way for a third festival scheduled for September.

Other task forces brought about "Philosophy for Kids," a project that focuses on ethics and decision-making skills, along with a program to provide access to community activities and mentorship for at-risk youngsters.

More information about the study circles program is available by calling Melissa Holden at 221-9922 or Claire Safford at 224-9815.

http://www.whig.com/story/news/Study-Circles-WED

Learn more: Racial Equity