In the run up to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service on Monday, January 18, we're looking for common ground this week on The Local Take. I spoke with Beatrice and Larry Soublet, founders of ERACE Atlanta. Beatrice and Larry explain the history of ERACE. The organization began in New Orleans after the Times Picayune published a series "Together Apart/The Myth of Race," and readers responded with fear and hate. A conversation between Rhoda Faust and Brenda Thompson led to the founding of ERACE and the slogan ERACISM. The Local Take is on the air Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m., community engagement from Jazz 91.9 WCLK.
When Hurriance Katrina hit New Orleans dispersing residents across the US, Beatrice and Larry Soublet landed in Atlanta and once this became home, they launched ERACE Atlanta. Ten years later conversations on race between diverse participants have take place. Currently ERACE meets at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, at 25 Boulevard NE, the second and fourth Saturdays at 11:15 a.m., monthly.
Participants using established guidelines discuss race and our nation's ongoing challenges with diverse communities. The conversations regarding current events and our national history allow participants to express themselves without rancor.
Click here for more information on ERACE and to reach Beatrice and Larry Soublet.