CCEJ UNITED AGAINST HATE WEBINAR: BUILDING BRIDGES IN DIVIDED TIMES

October 12, 2024

By Charlotte Blevins
CVV News

Building Bridges in divided times webinar, hosted by the California Conference for Equality and Justice CCEJ September 2024

What is Building Bridges?

Elissa Barrett is the Executive Director of the Western Justice Center a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting peaceful conflict resolution and building more cohesive communities.

During the Building Bridges in Divided Times webinar, Barrett participated in a discussion that emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue across differences to reduce hate and promote understanding. This was part of the CCEJ’s United Against Hate Week initiative, which highlighted the critical need for community engagement, especially in times of societal division and conflict. The panelists, including Barrett, shared strategies for addressing difficult conversations and building connections, particularly in polarized environments. The discussion aimed to equip participants with proper tools to bridge divides and promote social justice.

Maia Ferdman
During her speech, Ferdman emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue across communities, especially in times of heightened division and conflict. She shared insights from her work as the founder of Bridges Intergroup Relations Consulting, focusing on how building meaningful connections between different groups can help combat hate and promote understanding. Her message was rooted in creating spaces where people can engage in difficult conversations while maintaining empathy and respect.

Reena Hajat Carroll
Executive Director of the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ), Reena’s message focused on the significance of community engagement, particularly in addressing hate and bias. Carroll highlighted the necessity of building bridges between diverse groups to combat systemic inequalities and the spread of hate.

She encouraged individuals to actively participate in creating spaces for inclusive dialogue and proactive allyship, Carroll’s speech provided a roadmap for dismantling barriers that perputuate division. The underlying theme of her talk revolved around promoting equity and justice through collaboration and shared responsibility.

Aziza Hassan
In her role as Executive Director of NewGround, a Muslim-Jewish partnership for change, spoke at the United Against Hate Webinar organized by CCEJ. Her speech emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding across different communities, particularly during times of social and political tension. Hassan highlighted how building bridges between communities can help dismantle hate and combat divisive narratives. Her approach focuses on bringing people together for conversation, mutual respect, and shared the values, even when disagreements arise, to create a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Shaphan Roberts
Director for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Dispute Resolution Program, emphasized the importance of open dialogue and bridge-building during the” United Against Hate” webinar held in September, Roberts, known for his expertise in mediation and conflict resolution, discussed strategies for reducing divisive rhetoric and fostering mutual understanding within communities. He highlighted that through initiatives like community mediation and the Community Police Unification Program, meaningful conversations can be facilitated between community members and law enforcement to address misunderstandings and prevent conflicts from escalating. Roberts role often involves training others in conflict de-escalation and cultural communication, making him a key figure in efforts to counter hate and strengthen community relations.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.