Staff Photo Nick Brothers
Various leaders from the University of Arkansas, Compassion Fayetteville and Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan stand together holding signs stating “Black Lives Matter #FayettevilleCares” Monday, Feb. 7 on Dickson Street.
A few Fayetteville community members are hoping to start an educational community conversation about the Black Lives Matter movement and what it means.
Hosted by Compassion Fayetteville, “Black Lives Matter, The Truth Behind The Movement,” will be at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 764 North Street in Fayetteville. The event will begin with a social hour at 6:00 p.m., and the program will start at 6:30 p.m.
The purpose is to give the true meaning of Black Lives Matter, dispel myths, and discuss what is needed to ensure that all lives matter, said D’Andre Jones, one of the event’s organizers.
“It’s really apparent that racial tensions have surfaced in ways that are indescribable,” Jones said. “This is an opportunity to bring awareness and unite the community. It’s about educating and making individuals aware of the reality of Black Lives Matter is and what it absolutely is not.”
Several guest speakers knowledgeable about the civil rights movement and black lives in America will be guest speakers.
Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen of Little Rock and Dr. Caree Banton, U of A Assistant Professor of African American Studies and History and Channing Barker, KNWA news anchor, will serve as host, and Raven Cook local Black History Educator will appear on program as well.
“Just because black lives matter, we’re not saying other lives don’t,” Jones said. “Based on the treatment of African-Americans throughout history, we have several examples on how this country continues to dehumanize African Americans. Now is the time to engage in those crucial conversations.”
Compassion Fayetteville is a local nonprofit that aims to foster empathy in the community through events and outreach.
“The purpose is to provide an educational forum on the Black Lives Movement,” said Pattie Williams, co-founder of Compassion Fayetteville. “We see that education in community can lead to empathy and then to compassion. We want to foster compassionate actions that lead to change in matters of equity. I am looking forward to all of us coming together to learn about the Black Lives movement so that we individually and collectively take actions that contribute to racial healing and justice.”
For more information, contact D’Andre Jones dre91732000@gmail.com or Pattie Williams zipattie@me.com.
“Black Lives Matter, The Truth Behind the Movement”
When: Monday, Aug. 22 at 6:00 p.m., program starts at 6:30 p.m.
St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 764 North Street, Fayetteville
