Kane County Sheriff Don Kramer is hosting “Race Forward,” an important dialogue on race relations and law enforcement, at a Feb. 22 forum in Aurora.

“This Race Forward conversation will take an intricate look at the persistence of racial disparities and divisions that exist across society and more specifically in our own community,” Kramer said in a recent media release. “There’s a divisiveness that exists preventing us from publicly and collectively confronting our racial past, present, and future. Perspectives of ‘race-neutral’ or ‘race-silent’ have inundated the minds of the public, instead of a ‘race-conscious’ mindset that allows for appreciation and acceptance of the various cultures that make up society.”

Kramer says the Race Forward conversation is imperative “to better understand the diverse perspectives regarding race, dispel racially-based myths and stereotypes, examine the racial inequities that exist at the institutional/societal levels and address racial tensions that exist in our own community.”

The objectives include helping participants:

• Expand your understanding beyond individual to systematic oppression.
• Focus on actions and impact rather than attitudes and intentions.
• Add a racial lens to conversations on class, gender and sexuality.
• Cultivate discourse that moves “Race Forward.”

Santori Public Library 101 S. River St. Aurora, Illinois 60506 » Driving Directions

The conversation is an opportunity for the community to hear the perspectives of those who advocate for racial change, share their voice regarding racially based issues/concerns, and bring about social change that is mutually beneficial for all people.

Kramer and his Community Outreach Team will host the racial relations forum from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Aurora Public Library-Santori Library, 101 S. River St., Aurora.

Speakers for this event will include:

• Adrienne Coleman, Multicultural Education Specialist, IMSA
• Pastor Tim Bailey, Living Purpose Church
• Pastor Josue Valdez, Iglesia El Camino
• Eva Serrano, Aurora University
• Chief Kristen Ziman, Aurora Police Department
• Ricky Rodgers, African American Men of Unity
• Sadia Covert, Illinois Attorney and Civil Rights Advocate
• Regina Brent, President of Unity Partnership

SOURCE: Kane County Sheriff’s Office