Cornel West at the U of Memphis

After our Thursday night meeting at Caritas Village (a wonderful venue, btw!), Jessica and I headed over to the U of Memphis to see Dr. Cornel West, the philosopher author of such seminal works as Race Matters and Democracy Matters. Unfortunately, we didn't anticipate the incredible turnout for this event. The University's Rose Theatre, where Dr. West was scheduled to appear, offered seating for 900 people. Those seats were all taken. Theatre staff then added an extra 150 seats on the stage, which were also taken up. Jessica and I arrived at 7:25 (it started at 7:30), and there was literally a line stretching from the theatre all the way down to Zach Curlin Avenue (we estimated about 300 people waiting in line). Needless to say, we were turned away. While we were disappointed that we couldn't hear Dr. West speak, we both agreed that the huge turnout was definitely a very good thing. It shows that a lot (!) of people could and would come out on a cold Thursday night and stand in line to hear someone talk about race in America.

Initial comment

I am on board and reading the posts. Looking forward to learning how to do this.

Launched in the spring of 2008, Common Ground is a community dialogue-to-action initiative on race relations in Memphis. After honest conversations about the role of race and ethnicity in shaping our personal lives and our community, we aim to be the change that we wish to see in the world.

We are Memphians. We represent different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, generations, socioeconomic classes, genders, and backgrounds. Yet, we believe in the power of the dreams that unite us. We recognize the urgency of racial and ethnic justice. We seek ways to take responsibility for our words and actions, and we invite others in our community to live on Common Ground with us.

To initiate the conversation, here are some questions for thought:

• What roles have race and ethnicity played in your life?
• What action is necessary for Memphis to live on Common Ground?
• What does the phrase "leadership accountability" mean to you?
• How can we, as citizens, model the change that we wish to see in Memphis?

Join the movement by sharing your thoughts and experiences.

"Everything now, we must assume, is in our hands.”
~James Baldwin