by Jeff Hitchcock

For more years than I want to count I attended parent assemblies at my town's public schools. Being a parent, I felt the need to be there, but turnout was always low. Despite dedicated staff and teachers, our schools generally performed near the bottom in the county. Much needed doing.

The educators who put on the programs were frustrated by the low turnout and the constant demands of a school system serving, literally, a student population of 98% students of color. At the assemblies parents got information about the school budget and programs. But aside from the information, I often felt harangued.

There was always a part of the program when someone told us how important it was for parents to get involved. And told us, and told us, and told us. "Yes," I would think, "I am involved. Do I really have to sit through twenty minutes of your venting your frustration to me?" Truth be told, I was frustrated, too, as were all the parents present.

The needs facing the white anti-racist community are great as well. It falls on us to bring other white people into the anti-racist fold, to educate our families, our faith communities, our work place, our neighbors, schools, institutions. Anywhere and everywhere white people are, we need to bring them to anti-racist consciousness. What, then, is one to make of the fact that WACAN, the largest white anti-racist web site in the world, has barely cracked 1,000 members, while Stormfront.org, the world's largest white racist site counts 122,000?

Much needs doing. Some people say all white people are part of the problem. I don't know. But I do know this. You're part of the solution.

Thank you for being here. Let's push the envelope in 2008.

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No letters this week.

Our annual appeal has slowed to a halt. Sure Christmas draws many people to family, away from other concerns. But as the new year approaches, please consider making a donation to WACAN.

The dialogue has begun with Molly McClure of Catalyst Project in WACAN.org's online Forums. Only one week left before her 2-week appearance comes to an end. Log in and join Molly and other WACAN members in discussion.

The United States becomes the only country on Earth to vote down funds for new World Conference on Racism.

A new DNA test raises questions about use.

Report shows black/white economic disparities in Connecticut.

A California school system used the film, Making Whiteness Visible, to promote 'courageous conversations.' In Michigan, an 8-week program looks at white privilege.

The Lakota Nation spurns the United States and declares itself an independent country. Switzerland decides against anti-racism law change. Survey reveals widespread racism in Cyprus. Ethnic Indians in Malaysia hold anti-racism rally. Australia takes steps against liklihood of racist fans at cricket match with India (Story 1, Story 2). Also in Austrailia, profile of serial killer is white. British youth join "Show Racism the Red Card" event. The browning of the United Kingdom predicted in new study.

Utah white supremacists sentenced for hate crimes. White supremacist group sues Jena, Lousiana over MLK Day march restrictions (Story 1, Story 2).

A South African teen lives amidst changing racial climate.

Black Canadian TV reporter "turning white."

White distance runner promotes event for Black AIDS Institute.

How the US Army integrated: a personal story.

Two anniversaries of disturbing and tragic events occur this week. Tuesday, December 24 marked the anniversary of the founding of the Ku Klux Klan. Saturday, December 29 marks the massacre at Wounded Knee.

"White Liberals Have White Privilege Too!," by Alex Jung. AlterNet, December 21, 2007.

"Why Isn't Black Caucus Deemed Racist?" by Robert J. Bastile. Pocono Record, December 13, 2007.
"Black Caucuses Have Equal Right to Organize," by Lois Heckman. Pocono Record, December 22, 2007.

"Racial Profiling Reminds Us That Our Blackness Is All the Probable Cause Some Cops Need," by Deborah Mathis. BlackAmericaWeb.com, December 17, 2007.

"The Politics of Blackness: In the Land of Milk and Honey," by Barbara Howard. Broward Times, December 14, 2007.

"The Racist Roots of the Anti-Immigration Movement," by Lee Cokorinos. BlackAgendaReport.com, December 19, 2007.

"The Ludicrousness of White Cachet," by Andrew Leonard, December 18, 2007.

"Saving Black Culture in Harlem," by Alton H. Maddox, Amsterdam News, December 20, 2007.

"Let's Speak Frankly on Race and Crime," by David Hoggard. Greensboro News-Record, December 19, 2007.

We have raised $865 toward our goal of $2000 for our 2007 Annual Appeal.

View progress report - 10 days left

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