(Beaver Dam) There was a community dialogue on racism and cultural prejudice that took place recently at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater. The purpose of the dialogue was to raise awareness of racism and cultural prejudice at the local level. The conversation featured an eight person panel, including Laura Goral. She talked about growing up in the Northwest and being blind to racism prior to getting married.
“I married a black man, and I figured out that’s not how the world operates. I was this naïve, well-meaning, everyone’s got good in their heart kind of person, but that’s not how it is,” says Goral.
“I didn’t understand that I was brought up in a systemically racist country. Perhaps the world’s like that.”
Goral is a manager with Habitat for Humanity Restore and Beaver Dam Playground Movement, which helps neighborhood kids have access to equipment, guidance, and fun in a safe environment.
She also says that when it comes to these issues, it is not only important to talk the talk, but also walk the walk.
In the next story, we will highlight comments from Danette Machmueller who is with the Racial Justice Group.
