Partners for a Racism-Free Community
Partners for a Racism-Free Community (PRFC) is a movement of committed citizens and organizations working to move Greater Grand Rapids from “that’s the way it is” to “racism-free” through personal commitments, institutional efforts, social advocacy, and persistent intolerance of racist attitudes, words and behaviors. “Racism-free” is defined as: the individual and systemic condition achieved when all persons, regardless of skin color, feel welcomed and wanted in all places and treat others the same way. The PRFC was established in 2007 to provide a community-driven, action-oriented model for dealing with, and eliminating racism. Through the PRFC, we are able to help each other aspire to the standards that have been established for a racism-free community.
On the morning of March 27, 2009, over 300 persons gathered at New Hope Baptist Church in southwest Grand Rapids, to attend the 11th annual Partners for a Racism-Free Community Forum (formerly called the Summit on Racism). Individuals heard an update from the Standards and Credentialing Review Committee about the six organizations who went through the pilot process since the last Forum and received their partnership status. Attendees also heard a testimonial from three persons who attended an Institute for the Healing of Racism and then interacted with persons at their table about what they will commit to do in their personal life, within their organization/job, and in the community to create a racism-free community. People played a game called 35 where they shared ideas about how to create a racism-free community and then the top rated ideas were shared with the audience. One person shared the following with the planning committee:
“I can say with 100% certainty that our table all agreed this was a great event. I really had a great group at my table and liked the fact that we got to interact with one another. It was refreshing to have a high school student’s youthful energy and point of view at our table. The energy in the room at the conclusion of the Forum would have lit up Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon.” Tedd R. Parsons, West Michigan Strategic Alliance
Everyone is invited to participate in the following activities:
PRFC Reads is a community book reading and book club-style discussion. The book we will read is called, “Them”, by Nathan McCall (Make Me Wanna Holler). Please join in the discussion at one of five locations in the Grand Rapids area over the next three months. Each discussion group will be guided by an experienced Institute for Healing Racism facilitator. PRFC Reads discussions are as follows:
PRFC Eats is a community gathering of individuals that would like to broaden their experience and network with people they don’t know. This is your opportunity to enjoy a new cuisine or just to meet new people. PRFC Eats are as follows:
Please register by calling the PRFC office at 616.643.0117 or email: staff@prfc-gr.org, five days before the scheduled date.
PRFC Worships is an opportunity to experience other faiths. It is said that Sunday morning is the most segregated hour. Let’s Take Action as we worship together.
On the morning of March 27, 2009, over 300 persons gathered at New Hope Baptist Church in southwest Grand Rapids, to attend the 11th annual Partners for a Racism-Free Community Forum (formerly called the Summit on Racism). Individuals heard an update from the Standards and Credentialing Review Committee about the six organizations who went through the pilot process since the last Forum and received their partnership status. Attendees also heard a testimonial from three persons who attended an Institute for the Healing of Racism and then interacted with persons at their table about what they will commit to do in their personal life, within their organization/job, and in the community to create a racism-free community. People played a game called 35 where they shared ideas about how to create a racism-free community and then the top rated ideas were shared with the audience. One person shared the following with the planning committee:
“I can say with 100% certainty that our table all agreed this was a great event. I really had a great group at my table and liked the fact that we got to interact with one another. It was refreshing to have a high school student’s youthful energy and point of view at our table. The energy in the room at the conclusion of the Forum would have lit up Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon.” Tedd R. Parsons, West Michigan Strategic Alliance
Everyone is invited to participate in the following activities:
PRFC Reads is a community book reading and book club-style discussion. The book we will read is called, “Them”, by Nathan McCall (Make Me Wanna Holler). Please join in the discussion at one of five locations in the Grand Rapids area over the next three months. Each discussion group will be guided by an experienced Institute for Healing Racism facilitator. PRFC Reads discussions are as follows:
YWCA West Central Michigan: Tuesday, April 28, 12 p.m.
25 Sheldon Blvd SE, 616.459.4652
Schuler books and Music: Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
2660 28th St SE, 616.942,2561
Grand Public Library – Main: Monday, May 18, 7 p.m.
111 Library NE, 616.456.1741
Bethlehem Lutheran Church: Wednesday, June 3, 7 p.m.
250 Commerce SE, 616.456.1741
Grand Rapids Community College ATC: Monday, June 15, 12 p.m.
151 Fountain NE, 616.234.3390
25 Sheldon Blvd SE, 616.459.4652
Schuler books and Music: Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m.
2660 28th St SE, 616.942,2561
Grand Public Library – Main: Monday, May 18, 7 p.m.
111 Library NE, 616.456.1741
Bethlehem Lutheran Church: Wednesday, June 3, 7 p.m.
250 Commerce SE, 616.456.1741
Grand Rapids Community College ATC: Monday, June 15, 12 p.m.
151 Fountain NE, 616.234.3390
PRFC Eats is a community gathering of individuals that would like to broaden their experience and network with people they don’t know. This is your opportunity to enjoy a new cuisine or just to meet new people. PRFC Eats are as follows:
Gojo Ethiopian Cuisine: Wednesday, April 29, 6 p.m.
421 Norwood Ave SE, 616.459.3383
Indian Cuisine: Tuesday, May 19, 11:30 a.m.
1520 Wealthy St, 616.235.0700
421 Norwood Ave SE, 616.459.3383
Indian Cuisine: Tuesday, May 19, 11:30 a.m.
1520 Wealthy St, 616.235.0700
Please register by calling the PRFC office at 616.643.0117 or email: staff@prfc-gr.org, five days before the scheduled date.
PRFC Worships is an opportunity to experience other faiths. It is said that Sunday morning is the most segregated hour. Let’s Take Action as we worship together.
PRFC Worships are scheduled as follows:
True Light Baptist Church: Sunday, May 10, 10:30 am
900 Thomas SE
(Between Eastern and Fuller; 2 blocks north of Franklin)
Mosaic Life: Sunday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.
419 Norwood Ave
(Behind Wolfgangs)
The Islamic Center: Friday, July 17, 1:30 p.m.
1301 Burton SE
(Between Eastern & Kalamazoo)
True Light Baptist Church: Sunday, May 10, 10:30 am
900 Thomas SE
(Between Eastern and Fuller; 2 blocks north of Franklin)
Mosaic Life: Sunday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.
419 Norwood Ave
(Behind Wolfgangs)
The Islamic Center: Friday, July 17, 1:30 p.m.
1301 Burton SE
(Between Eastern & Kalamazoo)
Contact Partners for a Racism Free Community:
183 Lakeside Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3811
Phone: (616) 643-0233
Fax: (616) 643-0253
Email: staff@prfc-gr.org
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