Chesterfield County Schools hosts panel conversation on race, social topics

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) - Chesterfield County Public Schools virtually came together to talk about lessons learned from events like what’s happening in Atlanta, Minneapolis and around the country.

Hundreds joined the Facebook Live event called “Courageous Conversations: How to Talk About Race.”

It was the school system's first candid discussion in an ongoing community conversation about equity, race and other social events impacting our lives today.

Six panelists answered a number of questions submitted by community members.

One question was how to talk about race with someone who doesn’t want to talk about it.

“You have to meet people where they are, and if there is a level of respect, we can get through this. It’s a level of respect. I’ve always said I don’t walk into a space needing to make a lot of friends, but you’re going to respect me. And I think when we’re talking about issues of systemic racism, you need to respect me when I walk in the room. I think the racism happens when there is a lack of respect of what my walk looks like and how it is different from yours.” Director of Equity and Student Support Services for CCPS Jennifer Rucker said.

Some other questions included how to start the discussion on race, and how will the school system commit to relearning and re-teaching American history to spark a responsible, accurate discussion.

NBC12′s Anthony Antoine served as the event’s moderator.

Future events planned may include additional panels, author visits/talks, documentaries, and book studies.

Submit a news tip.