Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — Racial Legacies & Learning XX: How to Talk About Race is about all the differences "in our multi-ethnic society," organizers say.

Forums scheduled Thursday, Oct. 9 — "will give everyone a chance to voice their opinion about race and diversity in an environment where they won't have to worry about being criticized or ridiculed for their opinions," said Vaughn Lewis, director of human relations for the city of Hamilton and chairman of the committee. "I am really proud to be a part of the Legacies committee."

The goal of the forums is to help people find ways to talk about differences, officials said.

"Most people get defensive when they hear a philosophy or statement they don't agree with," Lewis said. "But if you are willing to listen to a point of view, even if it is different, you have a better understanding of that person.

"It's good to be challenged and stretched in order to broaden our horizons and how we think."

Featured speaker for the event is Rep. Bakari Sellers who, at 24, is the youngest person ever elected to the South Carolina legislature. He will speak to Miami University Hamilton students at a private breakfast, then at an informal reception at Miami Downtown on "Power of Civic Engagement," and finally at a town meeting at Hamilton High School.

Sellers said he plans to speak about "the similarities and commonalities that we have instead of the trivial differences that set us apart."

He also will talk to students about the political process and plans to ask them, "when you think about change, ask yourself the question 'if not now, when? And if not me, then who?'"

The legacies committee is a collaborative of the city of Hamilton, business leaders and Miami Hamilton campus officials.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.