Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Jan. 1, 1998, edition 1 / Page 3
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Americans to hold a nationwide conversation on race Thousands of people to participate WASHINGTON ? This January, the United States will do more than celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. s birthday, the nation will honor it," said former Sen. Bill Bradley and Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas as they launched the National Days of Dialogue on Race Relations. Set against the backdrop of President Bill Clinton's call for a national conversation on race, the National Days of Dialogue (NDOD) is the only nationwide grass-roots effort of its kind. Thousands of conversations are ... - -V ?' ? - ':. - : - - - including concentrated ellorts in more than twenty cities. In. addition, the University, of Southern California will take the lead in promoting dialogue on college campuses. Emerging from the successful inter-racial dialogues held in Southern California following the Rodney King and O.J. Simpson trials, the National Days of Dialogue will be held nationwide from Jan. 14 to Jan. 19. Average citizens will meet in churches, synagogues, boardrooms, living roqms, and community centers to discuss race relations from a personal perspective. However, these conversations are not intended to be an end point, but a first step in an ongoing effort. Following this historic week, organizers will share results, develop action projects, and encourage ongoing dialogue. "The National Days of Dialogue seek to inspire millions of Americans to engage in open, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable, conversation about who We are as a nation, and who we are as individuals," said Bradley, NDOD co-chairman. ?. i "How will we ever meet Dr. King's dream of judging our fellow Americans 'not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character' if we don't talk to people different from ourselves?" "This effort is about people," said Ridley-Thomas, NDOD Co Chairperson. "While laws and programs are important, they are not enough. We should seek to share our lives, our work, and our schools with people of different backgrounds, not because there is a regulation that requires it, but because our lives will be enriched because of it different cultures as gifts, not use them as shields." Members of Congress recently expressed their support for the National Days of Dialogue, introducing a resolution in the U.S. House of representatives commending the initiative. John Lewis, a long-time civil rights advocate and a friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "It is fitting and appropriate to have a national dialogue during a week of tributes to a determined and remarkable fighter for civil rights. Dr. King often spoke of the beloved community?a truly inter racial democracy that is diverse and tolerant. It is my great hope that communities around the nation will engage in dialogue to reconcile our differences and build a beloved community." The National Days of Dialogue i^as created to strengthen inter-racial dialogue efforts that already exist; improve relationships between key leaders of different races and ethnicities; generate ideas for specific action projects; and involve more citizens in ongoing cooperative efforts. f IP M . Questions ami answers about the National Dap of Dialogue on Race Relations Q: What is the purpose of National Days of Dialogue on Race Relations? A: National Days of Dialogue on Race Relations is a coordinated effort by several national organizations to invite people throughout America to join in community dialogues on race relations in the five days King Holiday in January. The purpose is to bring citizens of different races and ethnic backgrounds together for dialogues, which seek to increase understanding and cooperative action in local communities, Q: Why is it so important to have dialogues between citizens of different races and ethnic backgrounds? A: Dialogue is an essential - ingredient in our nation's ongoing endeavor to improve race relations. Respectful dialogue th.at emphasizes listening and seeks to identify areas of agreement is one of the most effective ways to bridge the divide that separates Americans of different races and ethnic backgrounds. What will actually happen during the Days of Dialogue? A: From Wednesday, Jan. 14 to Monday, Jan. 19, 1998, hundreds of facilitated dialogues on how to improve race relations will take place in schools, churches, homes, businesses, and community organizations in cities throughout America. Most dialogues will be between two and three hours in length and they will be structured around a L basic format that emphasizes listening, mutual respect, sharing time equitably, and the importance of focusing on common ground. Each dialogue will also have a facilitator who makes sure the dialogue ground rules are followed and that the group stays focused on its purpose. about in these dialogues? A: Dialogues Will focus on local issues and concerns and will undoubtedly cover a range of topics. At the same time, all participants will be asked to discuss a central question that is at the heart of the National Days of dialogue. That question is: "How can we increase understanding and cooperative action between citizens of different races and ethnic backgrounds in our community?" Q: Who is organizing the National Days of Dialogue? A; Several of the national groups that have helped to organize these local efforts are now working to create dialogues simultaneously in cities across the country. Groups cooperating to organize these Days of dialogue include: the Faith and Politics Institute. Leadership Education for Asian Pacifies (LEAP), Los Angeles Days of Dialogue, National Association for Community Mediation, National Council of La Raza, National Urban League. Project Victory, and Society Tor Professional in Dispute ? Resolution (SP1DR). ? RJR Employee Receives National Award for Excellence The National Eagle Leadership Institute (NELI) recently honored Janet Wheeler with the Eagle Award for "her efforts' to go beyond the call-of-duty to help others succeed, while remaining attentive to RJR's business goals." Wheeler is research and development director of planning and administration at R J Reynolds Tobacco Co. Nominated , " president oTR&U, and Susan Clapp, R&D director of human resources. Wheeler is the first Reynolds Tobacco employee to be selected for the award. "Janet started at the bottom of the professional ladder and worked her way up ? and she's still climbing," says Burger. "In . addition to always performing her job responsibilities ? in an outstanding manner, she exhibits professionalism, integrity, leadership and a sense of hupior on a daily basis." NELI's mission is to introduce and foster the ideals and importance of ' leadership development among African American and Hispanic high school and college students, while helping to establish mentoring relationships between NELI's rising professionals and aspiring student leaders. The institute also provides a" national forum where Eagle Award recipients can perpetuate their commitment to community service, continued leadership responsibility and career development. "The institute sorted through more than 300 nominees from a wide range of corporations and professional organizations," says Georgia Lee Clark, publisher and editor-in-chief of NELI's Janet Wheeler bimonthly publication Focus . "We found two primary threads linking the selected individuals. First, most of the winners believe that they can only achieve personal success through individual initiative Second, most believe that they can learn, develop and teach leadership skills." , In September 1997. Wheeler chaired the 5^ Joh-vcca. CfeaaaakWi ?? ? ? mwrir, international meeting held >n Winston-Salem where scientists presented important findings and contributions to tobacco research. Wheeler is currently involved in a number of organizations, including serving as chairman of the board of directors for First Union National Bank; the board of directors of the Winston Salem/Fofsyth CoOnty Arts Council; and the board of visitors of Wake Forest University. She continues to be active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Links, Inc.; Hampton Uniyerjity Alumni Association; Leadership Winston Salem; and Phi Omega, Inc. She has also received honors, such as the "Very Important Prestigious Woman" award from Dollars and Sense magazine in 1995, and the "Strong, Smart anjd Bold" award from the Salvation Army's Girjs Club in 1997. "It is important to give back to the community and help someone in need," says Wheeler. "NELI is a wonderful organization with an outstanding focus. 1 was honored to be nominated by RJR, and to receive the Eagle Award.1" . ? Wheeler is married to Harden "Butch" Wheeler and attends First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue in Winston-Salem. V V ,k> SALE & CLEARANCE , V I ^53IB ^e^B ENTIRE STOCK OP FALL ? ? c ? ? i SUITS SAVE 20-30% SPORT COATS SAVE 20-30% SLACKS I SAVE I 20-25% I I, Our large collection of styles by designers and famous makers features fabrications in ? pure worsted wool and blended fabrics, all in the most popular colors of the season. There is a nominal fee for alterations. Limited to stock on hand. Selection varies by store. Basic, non-seasonal merchandise is not included. Sorry, we cannot accept phone or mail orders on this merchandise. Dillard's 1 ? OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 10 AM-9 PM | | OPEN SUNDAY 12:30 PM - 6 PM | Dillard's welcomes Dillard's charge, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner\cmt> & Discover J | HANES MALL 659-1515 M . I
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