by Attica Scott
"Racism is so universal in this country, so widespread and deep-seated, that it is invisible because it is so normal."
—Shirley Chisholm, 1970
I know that some folks read this column and wonder if I'll ever write anything positive about racism. That's a tough one! There's nothing positive about racism. But there are some bright spots in the fight against racism, and one of those is Knoxville Project Change.
Knoxville Project Change is this community's antiracism initiative, and it is celebrating 10 years of doing its work. It's been a long hard road, but somebody's got to travel it. I'm sure that all of the great people who have been a part of this work will tell you that they've lost some friends and gained some enemies.
At the same time, there are a whole lot of white folks and people of color who have joined in this struggle because they realize that getting to know individuals on a one-to-one basis is fine, but it's not part of a systemic, ongoing effort of change that will impact our entire community.
Since 1993, Project Change has worked with diverse area leaders from business, local government, and the nonprofit sector to address bias and inequality in our community and civic institutions. Project Change works with these leaders to change the power relations in who decides and who gives public definition to issues.
And racism is all about power. Racism is "race prejudice plus the misuse of power" by systems and institutions (defined similarly by several organizations that conduct antiracism training nationally and internationally, including Crossroads Ministry, the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, and the Peace Development Fund).
Project Change has been committed to working at the forefront of our community, bringing attention to the need for expanded inclusion of people of color at all levels of our society. And that inclusion has always meant something more meaningful than window dressing and tokenism. Inclusion has always been about having people of color in significant decision-making positions in businesses, school systems, media, and government.
Many people are not aware that Project Change is a collaborative effort. This means that it is partnering with like-minded social justice groups and not just fighting this battle on its own. More importantly, as our region advances, Project Change has taken leadership on a subject most shy away from, many are in denial about, and some even hide on the surface of a level of politeness that does not encourage honest dialogue. That subject is racism.
Among Knoxville Project Change's successes are the "Undoing Racism" workshops facilitated by the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond of New Orleans. The workshops are intended to give business and community leaders an analysis of race. At the end of this year, more than 100 institutional and neighborhood leaders will have participated in these workshops.
The Knoxville Museum of Art developed its cultural diversity statement following Project Change's engagement of "Roots of Racism: Ignorance & Fear." But now we must engage with the Museum to make its commitment more than just a statement on paper; to take actions that include hiring more people of color at its administrative levels, having more exhibits by and about people of color, and reviewing and revising all of its policies, practices, and procedures to be more inclusive.
Project Change has been a leader in the development of a Race Relations Center to serve our nine-county region. The Center will serve as a clearinghouse for antiracism information, resources, and training. It will, hopefully, continue Project Change's four-pronged work of dialogue, advocacy, research, and training.
Knoxville Project Change has been recognized locally and nationally for its work. In 1998, it was one of four Project Change communities highlighted as a part of the Levi Strauss & Co. Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership. In 1999, it was awarded the President's Initiative on Racism as a "Promising Practice." In 2001, the organization was presented with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Award for Outstanding Service.
Knoxville Project Change will celebrate 10 years of undoing racism and promoting race relations on Tuesday, September 17 at 6 p.m. at the Knoxville Museum of Art. This event is open and free to the public.
Attica Scott serves on the board of directors of Knoxville Project Change and chairs its institutional barriers committee.
September 5, 2002 * Vol. 12, No. 36
© 2002 Metro Pulse
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