1.
Using community-driven solutions to address divisive racial issues
In 2006, racial tensions rose among Lynchburg, Va.,
residents as a result of the death of Clarence Beard Jr., a
black man who died in custody during a struggle with two
white police officers. City leaders looked for a way to help
residents grapple with issues of racism and racial equity in
their increasingly diverse city. To make progress, they
knew they needed to work together to address these racial
tensions.
With the community’s support, the city initiated the
Community Dialogue on Race and Racism. To indicate
their commitment to inclusion and systemic change, they renamed themselves “Many Voices – One
Community.” Their efforts have involved more than 2,000 people in dialogues, action forums, and task
forces.
The new understanding and relationships that have formed continue to generate action. Plans are in place
to expand the program in the faith community, schools, and local businesses. Their efforts have led to:
 Improved diversity training in the Lynchburg Police Department, the Criminal Justice
Academy, and the City of Lynchburg.
 Efforts to bring more diversity to the workforce at the police department, and in local
businesses and on boards and commissions in the city.
 The creation of a non-profit organization, Beacon of Hope, that provides support for all students
to have access to resources in order to reduce the achievement gap.
 A Racial Support Group to help resolve institutional racial conflict.
 Citizen participation has become an established part of Lynchburg city government, used on
issues ranging from policing to budgeting to planning.
About Everyday Democracy
A national leader in the field of civic participation and community change, Everyday Democracy helps
people of different backgrounds and views talk and work together to create communities that work for
everyone.
www.everyday-democracy.org
Participants gained a new understanding of how racism
and racial equity affect them: “I think what struck me
most was…all the different ways that we could evade
the issue of racism and not want to acknowledge our
own involvement,” one participant commented. “I think
it unsettles us in a good way. I think it’s both terrifying
and at the same time, welcoming.”
Learn more by visiting
http://bit.ly/manyvoices
Participants gathered to hear action ideas
generated by the dialogues