Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / May 17, 2007, edition 1 / Page 6
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6A NEWS/triie Charlotte Thursday, May 17, 2007 Improving relations starts with ‘genuine desire’ By Erica Bryant FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST Editor’s note: This is a pro file of Bridget-Anne Hampden, a participant in the May 31 People of Prominence discussion of race in Charlotte. Hampden is president and CEO of JHR & Associates LLC. EB - When were you first aware that because of your treat you differently. BH - My adolescent years were spent in my home country - Guyana. South America - where there was tension between Afro Guyanese and Indo Guyanese (people of East Indian descent). Our village was predomi nantly Indian. As race rela tions became tense, some of bum our house down, 1 remember being extremely scared and my father sit ting at the bottom of the house with a lamp burning the entire night trying to deter the Hampden skin color people might the Indians threatened to attackers. A matter of trust for Charlotte Continued from page 1A ence was made all heads in the classroom would turn to me. There are numerous addi tional instances, but these stand out. By the way. my sister and were consistently graded high honor roll. EB - Please share an example of an inter racial or intra-racial dynamic that exists (or an incident that occurred) in your current position among professioncil peers/staff/co- workers that the public might find surpris ing. HJ - An email I received from a citizen upset over a budget recommendation who referred to me as a “black joke” in his home and a Stepin' Fetchit pawn of a Democratic board of commissioners. EB - Give one suggestion that you think would help to improve racieil trust in our area. HJ - Heed the words of Dr. King- “If we don’t learn to live together as brothers and sisters, we will perish as fools.” Join the discussion-at Center Stage, 2315 North Davidson St. on May 31 at 6:30 p.m. Call The Post at (704) 376-0496 for details. When I was about 27, I took a job as a consultant with a software firm in the U.S. When I conducted on the job training for senior executives, I was surprised to discover how oblivious the white folks were of me as they filed into the room. Those who chose to speak would ask me questions about the coffee and would openly share their frustra tion about having to attend the session. You could imagine their shock and embarrassment when they found out I was the trainer! This happened time and time again. EB - Please share an inci dent that the public might find surprising. BH - While I was at Wachovia, one of my white male direct reports once came in for his weekly one- on-one meeting. As was the custom, he sat in the chair in front of my desk and I sat in my seat behind my desk. Before we began, he blurted out: “You know, I think you should get up from your seat and come and sit in the seat beside me. That would then make us equal." I was quite stunned by his comment but thought quickly enough to respond “unfortunately we are not equal - YOU work for ME and as such I will sit in my chair and you will sit over there!” EB - Give one suggestion to improve racial trust in our area. BH - We, as a race, are a very perceptive people. Therefore it is easy for us to determine when an individ ual is not authentic. 1 think there is an opportunity for benevolence to be more than monetary gifts. It should also be a ^sharing of talents and opportunities. It seems to me that there is, in some cases, a feigned interest in our causes or issues: however there is not a genuine desire to improve the welfare' of African Americans. The big deals or contracts are still given primarily to whites while we fall into the “minority purchasing pro gram" and end up with a few thousands rather than a few million! LOVE OF learning’s FINAL GRADUATION Boost your information intake online' www.thechaiiottepost.com PHOTO/CHARLENE PRICE-PATTeRSON Pi Class of the Love of Learning program took thek final group photo during graduation ceremonies Saturday at Davidson College. Love of Learning, which ended with the graduation, was a college preparation program that also instilled wholistic values of self- worth. Jo Miss Jennifer Ann Mackins Johnson C. Smith Class of 2007 Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Law and will attend law school in the Fall. & Mr. Larry V. Mackins Johnson C. Smith Class of 1977 on Your 30th Class Reunion From Your Family G-L Mackins Bonding Co. 205 N. Myers St. Charlotte, N.C. haute summer WITH A NEW SEASON COMES A FRESH TAKE ON SHIRTDRESSING. LOOK FOR THE BELTED TUNIC TO KEEP YOU COOL WITH STYLISH PANACHE. FOXCROFT Polks cJot tunic, cotton, brown, 4-16. Exclusively ours; 68.00. TRIBAL Stretch sateen cropped pants, cotton/spandex, white, 4-16; 52.00. Narrative, NORDSTROM Discover more, nordstrom.com SouthPark, 4400 Sharon Road. Charlotte 704.442.6000. Shipping charges may apply.
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