We’re delighted introduce Kesha Medina and Netdahe Stoddard, PJC facilitators who do ongoing racial justice work in rural VT.
Kesha Medina:
“As a young woman of color it is incredibly important for me to break down the barriers of communication that prevent dialogue around racism. Since coming to Vermont in 2014 to start college I have been actively engaging in the fight against racism by being a part of and, helping create two social justice groups, one at a local high school in Hardwick (Stand UP) and the other in the college I attend called (ROOTs) both are support and outreach groups for students of color but not limited to racism. Much of my academic career has been focused on racism and its role and impact in our past and current food system, which is crucial in VT where we have Milk with Dignity, a migrant justice group that are a prime example of what injustice looks like here in our local food system as well as the effect it has on our community. Facilitating BE&AR for the PJC is exciting because it creates what I feel is a safe and healthy platform for community members to learn more about the systems we have in place that perpetuate racism as well as generating a new network of people who are trying to change their minds and the minds of their peers about race and racism, helping actualize the world we want to live in and creating allies in the whitest state in America.”
Netdahe Stoddard:
“I live in the Hardwick area and do racial justice work throughout the community, especially within the school. I co-direct Stand Up for Social Justice with Rachel Wilson and Kesha. I’ve been an activist my whole life and organized my first public protest at age 11 when we walked out of grade school in Lyndonville nearly 30 years ago to stop the first war on Iraq. I’m also an independent contractor and have 20 years experience engaging, and confronting, people about racism, sexism and homophobia on job sites as a builder and landscaper. I am leading this program because I believe racism is the key element and most successful tool used to oppress poor people, so the best work I feel I can do toward building a healthier world and future is to fight racism. I can always do better and learn more, so I am driven to do so. No one is born hateful and all poor people are harmed by white supremacy, so this is a battle for hearts and minds just waiting to be won.”
Building Empathy and Addressing Racism
Thursdays, September 21st, 28th and October 5th
6:45-8:45pm at Sterling College in Craftbury
Thanks to support from Sterling College, this series is offered at no cost to participants.
Find more events like this on our Community Calendar.