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strengthening our community<br />
Conversations exploring perspectives<br />
coming together<br />
open minded<br />
focused on common good<br />
It’s not our intention to persuade anyone, nor is<br />
it our intention to necessarily arrive at a solution.<br />
It is our desire to get the conversation rolling, to<br />
hold space for ideas to manifest, to encourage<br />
full participation, and facilitate in this process that<br />
moves us forward.<br />
Certainly we want to see a positive impact in our<br />
community from these discussions. It is our hope<br />
that our readers will continue the conversations,<br />
create momentum, and implement strategies that<br />
make sense for their neighborhoods, organizations<br />
or any other facet of their lives.<br />
I approach the conversation on racial injustice,<br />
understanding the sensitivity, with slight<br />
hesitation. And yet, it is a conversation that we<br />
must have. We can’t hold our tongue simply<br />
because we are afraid of getting it wrong.<br />
We need to be brave and vulnerable. To put<br />
ourselves in uncomfortable conversations to<br />
begin to understand at a deeper level what our<br />
neighbors are feeling and experiencing. We<br />
must put people first.<br />
At this time, it is so important to listen. To<br />
try and understand this issue from multiple<br />
perspectives. From here the solutions will<br />
get easier. I’d encourage you to engage in<br />
conversations and ask questions. Open your<br />
hearts and minds. Stay curious and committed<br />
to each other.<br />
Why The Conversation Needs To Continue…<br />
By Ike Rayford<br />
In light of everything<br />
going on, as the president<br />
of the Sioux City Chapter<br />
of the NAACP, folks are<br />
asking what can I do? They<br />
are wanting to have a real<br />
conversation because I believe<br />
people are finally seeing there<br />
is a real problem in America,<br />
quite possibly the world, yes<br />
even right here in Sioux City. The Ike Rayford<br />
conversation needs to continue<br />
because we need to truly understand the depths of<br />
racism, hate, and injustices. We know the conversation<br />
needs to continue, but what exactly is the conversation?<br />
In my opinion it can start with questions…and these<br />
questions are from me to you the reader:<br />
Why does the term “white privilege” upset you?<br />
Because when I say it, I’m not diminishing the struggles<br />
that you might have had as a person, honestly we share<br />
in those struggles, but when it comes to race I don’t have<br />
that privilege that has benefited you, without you really<br />
realizing it.<br />
Why is it okay to fly the Confederate flag in the<br />
United States, especially here in Sioux City? It is<br />
really offensive to almost every black person alive, not all,<br />
but most.<br />
Why is holding police officers accountable for<br />
their action a bad thing?<br />
Take body cameras, this should not be an “us versus them”<br />
issue, but a tool to support all involved in any encounter<br />
law enforcement might have with the community. We all<br />
believe in accountability and we are all held accountable<br />
for our actions and that should extend to all.<br />
These are just a few questions I have and believe me, I<br />
have more, but maybe you have some questions for me.<br />
Let’s talk, let’s continue the conversation!<br />
Ike Rayford is the President of the Sioux City Chapter of the<br />
NAACP.<br />
Photo credit on page 14 Britton Hacke Photography.
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