LIVE WEBCAST: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2:00 PM (EST) EPISCOPAL CHURCH "THE STATE OF RACISM IN AMERICA" FORUM

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC) Endorses

The Episcopal Church “The State of Racism in America” Forum

Cincinnati, OH---The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC), churches and other local non-profits have participated in sending out surveys and publicizing the Episcopal Church’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness and create dialogue regarding “The State of Racism in America”.

On Friday, November 15th, 2013, the Episcopal Church will host an online forum centered on a critical topic for our times: “Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America”. Originating from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS (Diocese of Mississippi), this 90-minute ecumenical forum will be a LIVE WEBCAST beginning at 2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) and 1:00 PM (Central Standard Time). The CHRC will stream the conference live from City Hall Room 115 @ 2:00 pm, EST.

The forum will be moderated by well-known journalist and PBS commentator Ray Suarez. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is the keynote speaker. Two panel discussions will focus on main themes: “Racism in America today - Why does it persist?” and “Racism in America's future - Where is there hope for change?”

The forum will begin with a thought-provoking video, and viewers will be able to submit questions to the participants during the live webcast. Participating in the first panel, “Why does racism persist?” are: The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Ms. Myrlie Evers-Williams, civil rights activist and journalist and widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, and The Honorable William F. Winter, former governor of Mississippi and founder of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation.

The second panel, “Where is there hope for change?” will feature: The Hon. Byron Rushing, Massachusetts State Representative, civil rights leader and vice president of the Episcopal Church House of Deputies, Dr. Randy Testa, author, vice president of education at Walden Media LLC, Dr. Erma J. Vizenor, chairwoman of White Earth Band of Ojibwe, educator and community organizer, and Tim Wise, educator and author of White Like Me, Colorblind and Affirmative Action.

Following the online forum, CHRC (in partnership with the Episcopal Church) will be organizing 4 forums in Greater Cincinnati (North, South, East & West sides of town) to address Racism in America & the Greater Cincinnati Community today - Why does it persist? And Racism in America's & the Greater Cincinnati Community’s future - Where is there hope for change? The goals are to:

· Increase awareness (discussing the study results & presenting a call to action)

· Connect cultures and communities to create dialogue regarding “The State of Racism”

· Spur action within communities to discuss race on an ongoing basis & give communities tools to combat racism and discrimination

· Create a just and inclusive society where all people and communities have the opportunity to succeed.

The Cincinnati Human Relations Commission is honored to be a part of this effort to increase awareness and create dialogue regarding the state of racism in our nation. Since 1943, CHRC has remained steadfast in its efforts to bring together community stakeholders to help our community to overcome prejudice and discrimination; and build mutual respect and understanding. During the most critical of times, CHRC is always there turning the community’s needs into action, connecting cultures and communities and ensuring that we are all living in communities where prejudice and discrimination can no longer hide.

For more information regarding the forum, visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/notice/save-date-episcopal-church-hosts-major-topical-forum-fifty-years-later-state-racism-america

and for more information about CHRC, please visit our website at http://www.chrc.us