The Chatham Social Justice Exchange

 THE CHATHAM SOCIAL JUSTICE EXCHANGE

“I swear to the Lord, I still can’t see, why Democracy means, everybody but me.” Langston Hughes

The Chatham Social Justice Exchange is a collaboration and began from the successful model in Saxapahaw:
The Saxapahaw Social Justice Exchange was created by a group of people that bring the community together to discuss and raise awareness about the injustices in America.   It was born out of the pain of incessant violence against people of color.

The Chatham Social Justice Exchange is just that – an exchange. Specifically it is an exchange focused on the brutal realities of race and the desire to be part of changing that reality.  It is intentional space reserved for meaningful conversations, testimonies, and the exchange of ideas, resources, and actions for people who are committed to a path of racial equity and justice. The goal is to build community by fostering a deeper understanding of how these injustices affect all of us.

This is not an organization or an institution and we do not have a strategy for change; rather, we hold a space for continued learning and engagement around deeply rooted issues of race in our local community and society at large.

Our monthly gatherings are designed to meet people where they are at, wherever that happens to be on their journey. We invite participants in the room to introduce and facilitate “table talks,” which are engaging small group discussions around pressing topics, such as white privilege, environmental racism, local politics, food networks, and reconciliation processes. Sometimes, we host facilitated conversations around a film that challenges us to think differently and act courageously.

Discussion topics: We always offer a table talk about white privilege and recommend first timers sitting at this table to get a clear understanding of how white privilege shapes the world in which we live — the way that we navigate and interact with one another and with the world. Feel free to host a table talk conversation — we encourage folks to come ready to share and engage in difficult conversations.

What to bring: Bring a friend who may be interested in joining these difficult conversations. Any and all community involvement info- what’s going on in your corner of the world including opportunities for activism and/or collaboration.