Chiapas fighting escalates after Yale group's safe return

By Andrew Guenzer

COURTESY ARACELI CAMPOS The peaceful image in this mural is in contrast to the recent chaos that has plagued Chiapas.

A handful of New Haven community leaders, students, and residents, engaged in a bold, but intimate discussion on Mon., Apr. 13, in Battell Chapel. Coordinated by Demetrius Semien, DIV '99, "Racial Legacies and Learning" was the first in a series of panel discussions and programs to explore the topic of New Haven race relations.

The event was sponsored by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, which is funding "Racial Legacies and Learning" discussions at more than 50 colleges and universities around the nation in response to President Clinton's, LAW '73, Initiative on Race.

The 10-member panel was strikingly diverse. Ranging in profession from pastor to professor, from businessperson to Yale graduate student, the members included three Caucasians, three African-Americans, two East Asians, one Native American, and one Puerto Rican.

On many different levels, the panelists acknowledged the reality that racism is much more than just a black and white issue. "It is also about Spanish-speakers," said Patricia McAnn, executive director of Otonal Housing Corporation. "Where on the bus do we [Puerto-Ricans] sit?"she asked.

Louise Higginbotham, pastor of New Haven Church on the Green, echoed McAnn in addressing the complexities of racism. For example, Higginbotham, the child of Irish-Catholic immigrants, noted that the assimilation process in her community meant "becoming white" and learning to look down upon her Jewish, Italian, and African-American neighbors.

A testament to the complexity of racism, the question of how to address New Haven's racially-rooted problems incited mixed responses. Some panelists chose to place the emphasis on the community; others, on the individual.

"It is a tedious and painful thing to do," Lester McCorn, the pastor of Varick A.M.E. Church, said. "But we all need to live in the tension." Racism, a social construct, demands that one leave his or her comfort zone, he explained.

Al Marber, President of the Amistad Committee, stressed the undeniable links between racism and economics. He supports the integration of neighborhoods, the improvement of inner-city schools, and the creating of more jobs as a frontal attack on racism.

On a more individual level, Yale University Chaplain Jerry Streets said that he has decided to combat racism by leading a life of self-determination and self-affirmation. "I have long ago stopped trying to convince others of my own beauty; now I focus on the bond which comes out of my own humanity," he said. Semien was pleased with the the evening's proceedings. The strengths of the dialogue were first, that concrete issues were addressed such as education and jobs; and secondly, that disgruntled members of the community who are concerned with New Haven's racial problems were able to attend," he said.

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