Aishwarya: The Realities of Racism

Aishwarya Shekara

Not In Our School

Normal Community High School

The black smoke that engulfed us was thick and dirty. I instinctively held by breath while identifying the deep pain in my mother’s eyes. The driver sped off, quickly leaving us in the smoke.

I needed a moment to register what had just happened. This man, another human being, my fellow countrymen, had done this on purpose. His goal, like many others, was to get a rise from us: Make us want to put our anti-racism signs and Not In Our Town banner down. He wanted to divert us with his insult. He wanted to send us home; little did he know that we were already home. Bloomington is my town, my haven, my home, and no one has the right to take that away from me.

On Sunday, March 13, Donald Trump arrived in Bloomington, IL. on his alleged $100 million dollar private jet. After being shunned from Chicago, Trump must have been looking for a small town, one that would easily be duped by his radical rhetoric and demagoguery. But we would not let that happen. As a member of Not In Our Town in Bloomington, and a starter of my high school’s Not In Our School chapter, I would not allow such a hateful human to enter the realms of my community, my home.

The night before, I had decided to join the peaceful protest with NIOT members to show our community that hatred and bullying have no place in Bloomington. Donald Trump’s constant appeals to the fear and frustrations Americans face have opened doors such as racism and bigotry back in our free world. As a student watching all the mayhem the Republican frontrunner has created, I knew I couldn’t be a bystander. I had to act. My voice had to be heard. Nothing would have prepared me for the experiences and political gander I endured that day.

Braving the rain was a challenge every protester encountered. As my hair stuck to my face and my energy and spirits soared, the cold kept my emotions in check. Around thirty to forty members from Not In Our Town were silently protesting outside Trump’s rally headquarters. The silence was extremely excruciating, but I knew NOIT is nonpartisan and we were there to end hate, not create more.

Time passed as I held my anti-racism poster, and as the traffic started to pick up all the action started. Supporters of our message would honk, give us a thumbs up sign, or talk to us from their windows. Trump’s advocates weren’t as kind. As a sixteen year old American with Indian parents I had never faced this much hate in my young life. As they drove by, middle fingers raised telling us to “go home,” I was deeply shocked by the realities of racism and hatred that exist in today’s world.

When Trump arrived, I was ready to greet him with my message of defiance and protest. An elderly woman that was holding a “Make America Great Again” called my friends the “N-word” out loud. This is evidence that Trump’s campaign is uplifting racism in our country, by allowing strangers to use such evil and derogatory language. Later, I found myself trapped in a huddle of his supports. I knew I was entering a dangerous zone, a place my mother warned me of numerous times the night before. Though I was stuck in their huddle and cheers, I would not stay quiet. I knew if I was passive or ignored their hateful chants I was indirectly accepting their evil, and Trump’s message to our country. Quick to act, I began screaming anti-Trump chants such as, “Dump Trump” and “Love Trumps Hate” as loud as I could. Dazed and confused that a protestor had entered their pack, a man around sixty-years-old shouted, “Go back to your country.” At first, I was shocked to hear such a cruel comment directed towards me. Never in my life has someone had the audacity to say such a racist and hateful thing to my face. My reaction could be considered controversial; I started laughing because the joke was on him. I was born in OSF Saint Joseph Hospital, a mile away from the protest, and here this stranger was trying to tell me to “go back.” The irony of it all was too much for me, so I began laughing to let my anger and frustration out. Another woman nearby heard my obnoxious laughter and tried saying something. Before she could open her mouth I gave the group a dazzling smile and walked away.

Trump later called protesters “thugs” and “Bernie supports,” but we were simply there to exercise our right to peacefully protest to end his tyranny of hate. By appealing to radical voters, Trump has driven a wedge through our country, causing an eruption of discrimination and bigotry on our soil.

While walking back to my car I found a sticker on the ground that said “I love white people.” I love my white brothers and sisters, but loving a single race is baffling. Never had I imagined something this spiteful could be printed as a sticker to wear as a sick sign of pride orhonor. I picked the sticker up off the ground and ripped it to shreds. Something that vile does not belong on the soil of our free nation. It was in that moment I vowed to make a difference, to change something and make my voice heard. My goal as a students is to emphasize how our voice matters, and though some of us can't vote, we need to be heard because we are the next generation.

Twin Citians Explore Hindu Faith, Culture

Twin Citians continued their exploration of area's diverse cultures over the weekend during an open house at the Hindu Temple of Bloomington-Normal.

The event was part of Not In Our Town's efforts to offer Twin City residents ways to learn about different beliefs through local interfaith programs and open houses. NIOTBN Vice Chairman for PR and Marketing Archana Shekara is president of the McLean County Indian Association, and represented MCIA as well at Illinois State University's 45th Annual International Fair.

A similar open house Feb. 6 at Masjid Ibrahim in Bloomington drew about 100 people wanting to learn more about Islam from their Muslim neighbors.

The International Fair meanwhile provided the Bloomington-Normal community a showcase of food, music, entertainment, and traditional, cultural clothing from around the world. Student groups and community organizations hosted country- and region-specific displays, and booths, which featured a variety of clothing, art, and cultural artifacts.

Performances of traditional music and dance took place on the main stage from student and community performers. Visitors sampled and purchased ethnic foods and snacks prepared by international students, local restaurants, and community members.

April 1 Taste of the West Rustles Up Great Local Grub

The great chefs and eateries of Bloomington's west side will show off their multicultural wares during Taste of the West, Friday, April 1 at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at First Christian Church of Bloomington, 401 W. Jefferson Street.

The free competitive tasting event -- sponsored by the West Bloomington Revitalization Project (WRBP) -- will feature dishes by Romelia Aza, Annie Foster, Selina Gunn, Reve Jackson III (Jackson's Soul), Chef Jose (Rosy's Grill), and Kelly Mathy (Kelly's Bakery & Cafe).

"This is an opportunity to taste the rich diversity in food and cultures in Bloomington -- Not Your Average Chain Restaurant here," Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal Steering Committee member and Bloomington City Councilwoman Karen Schmidt noted. "West Bloomington is where our city started, and it embraces the wonderful diversity of cultures that many Bloomingtonians don't even know exist."

The WRBP Annual Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the church.

Patricia: Caregiver Scrutiny Crucial to Curbing Elder Abuse

Patricia Marton

Elder abuse prevention advocate

I have been rereading the (McLean County) Mental Health Action Plan, and continue to be impressed by the material and names that are included.  However, there are still questions that I would like to have answered.

They include the effects the plan could have on the elderly, not only in private homes and nursing facilities, but in public facilities that they frequent. Namely are the people running such facilities capable both intellectually and emotionally of handling difficult situations that might arise, and how can we determine this.

For abuse of the elderly continues to be a world wide phenomena.   

What can we do to help?  We must, I believe, continue to tighten and implement hiring procedures, Here we can draw on the police for suggestions and support, for they have detailed procedures that they follow to ensure that their applicants are equipped for the job. This includes not only background checks, but oral interviews before a panel, physical exams, and moreover psychological exams and lie detector tests.  Indeed, one officer that I met at a recent coffee gathering had a degree in psychology from the University of Illinois.

Some of these procedures could and should be interpolated into our hiring programs in public facilities.    For, as many of us already know, such facilities are not always safe places, especially those dealing with people of disparate ages, and we need astute administrations that can both acknowledge and deal with this, and not pretend that it doesn’t exist.

It’s also up to all of you (the City Council), for you are elected to take care both of the city’s institutions, and the people who live here.  And to be aware of our needs and fears, and develop procedures that can protect us, especially those of us who are particularly vulnerable, for the legal penalties against those who harm us are particularly strong.  Many of you are also older citizens, and should be proud of this, which should give you an additional impetus to do this. 

Also, the City of Bloomington is an entity unto itself, though part of a county of towns and villages.  While we should cooperate with our neighbors, we must also make our own decisions as to what is best for ourselves.

Finally, I spoke to both Laura Beavers of the Health Department and Tom Barr of the Center for Human Services— both highly recommend the Mental Health First Aid programs sponsored by a number of community organizations as a mean of identifying the signs and signals of mental illness.  These programs last throughout the whole year. This is another way we can learn to help each other too.

Race and the Campus Environment March 17-18 Mini-Conference Topic

Richard Milner

In an effort to enlighten, educate, and ignite conversation around creating a more racially just campus environment at Illinois State University, the Culturally Responsive Campus Community (CRCC) Committee will hold a two-part mini-conference on Thursday evening, March 17, and Friday morning, March 18.

Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to register for this event, which features Richard Milner, director of the Center for Urban Education at the University of Pittsburgh.

Over the last year, racial justice protests and demonstrations by college students have unfolded across America. All share a common theme: that many campus environments have not created equitable experiences for students from historically marginalized racial and cultural backgrounds and that racism does, indeed, still permeate academic spaces. Illinois State is committed to being a part of the conversation. The campus community has begun to dismantle these injustices and create a campus community that is inclusive and truly embodies diversity as one of its core institutional values. The mini-conference is designed to further these important goals.

H. Richard Milner IV (also known as Rich) is the Helen Faison Endowed Chair of Urban Education, Professor of Education as well as director of the Center for Urban Education at the University of Pittsburgh. He has courtesy professorship appointments in Africana Studies, Sociology and Social Work. His research, teaching, and policy interests concern urban teacher education, African American literature, and the sociology of education.

In particular, Milner’s research examines practices and policies that support teacher effectiveness in urban schools. His research has appeared in numerous journals, and he has published six books. In 2015, Milner received the Division K Award for Innovations in Research on Diversity in Teacher Education from the American Educational Research Association. In 2016, he became a fellow of the American Educational Research Association.  Currently, he is editor-in-chief of Urban Education and co-editor of the Handbook of Urban Education, published with Routledge Press in 2014.

Milner’s visit to campus is made possible through the generous support of the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of Student Affairs. He is hosted by the Culturally Responsive Campus Community Task Force/Committee, the College of Education, the Council for Teacher Education, and the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology.

Schedule:

Thursday, March 17
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

An interactive seminar conducted by Richard Milner, educator, author, and director of the Center for Urban Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, March 18
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

A community round-table discussion will follow up on Dr. Milner’s Thursday night seminar. Donuts and coffee will be served.

NIOTBN Trumpets Message at B/N Trump Rally

Today's appearance of a controversial presidential candidate in the Twin Cities afforded Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal the opportunity to amplify its message of inclusiveness.

During Republican candidate Donald Trump's campaign rally at Central Illinois Regional Airport, several individuals and community organizations concerned about some of Trump's campaign comments. NIOTBN representatives gathered at the site according to Steering Committee Member Mike Matejka "not to challenge Donald Trump, but to affirm our values of a safe, inclusive community."

The group pledged "solidarity with all who struggle for justice and equality in a non-violent way and to affirm the value of all people in our community, regardless of their economic class, race, ability, gender or sexual orientation."

"I was so proud of Bloomington-Normal today with the Trump Rally," said NIOTBN charter member Marc Miller, who participated in the group's presentation. "It was peaceful throughout. Those of us who turned out for Not In Our Town stood diligently and testified with our silence and our present for our non-partisan message of stopping hate, addressing bullying, and creating a safe community for all."

The Pantagraph, WMBD-TV, and the international Reuters wire service interviewed NIOTBN representatives at the rally site. NIOTBN's post regarding the rally and community response by late afternoon had been viewed by 3,500 people, garnering 142 likes and 20 shares.

The Twin Cities rally followed Trump's cancellation of a planned rally in Chicago in the wake of major protests by a variety of groups.

"Today’s rally has concluded and the crowd is clearing peacefully. No significant issues were reported, and no arrests have been made," the Bloomington Police Department said in a Sunday statement. "Thank you to all the law enforcement agencies in attendance for their hard work and dedication protecting public safety and free speech."

Sara: Coffee With a Cop Refreshes Community Trust

Officer Sara Mayer

Public Relations

Bloomington Police Department

Engaging our community is a top priority for the Bloomington Police Department. We share the community’s concerns and make every effort to address them. Coffee with a Cop has done wonders for community trust and partnership building.

One of the keys to Coffee with a Cop’s success is that is removes the physical barriers that routinely exist between police officers and community members, allowing for the relaxed, one-on-one interactions which are the necessary foundation of partnerships.

Our thanks goes out to the Coffee Hound for hosting (the March 4) Coffee with a Cop, providing free coffee, and staying open late for the event. The event provided a friendly atmosphere and helped strengthen relationships between police officers and the members of our community.

Open House/Open Schools

Hindu Temple of Bloomington Normal is hosting a March 19 community event for all Bloomington-Normal residents, to help promote Not in our Town: Bloomington/Normal faith and outreach efforts.  Attendees will have the opportunity to see the temple sanctum, learn about Sanatana Dharma – Hinduism - "and get a better sense about Hindus," temple President Chetan Desai said. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1815 Tullamore Avenue, Bloomington. As seating is limited, visitors are asked to RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/qEZtKioea1.

Meanwhile, McLean County Diversity Project Veteran Scholar Aishwarya Shekara -- daughter of Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal Steering Committee member and Hindu community leader/McLean County India Association President Archana Shekara -- shared her experiences working to create a Not In Our School organization at Normal Community High School, in the latest Diversity Project newsletter:

"In case you don’t know me, my name is Aishwarya Shekara, I am sixteen years young, and I am a junior at Normal Community High School. I am sixteen years young. Yes, if you read that correctly, I am not old. I have not experienced life at its fullest, I have not endured heartbreak, struggle, or poverty. But, I have felt hope. Hope so great for our small town, our diverse nation, and our ever changing world.

 In October, tennis season was coming to end, and I was looking forward to binge watching Netflix and catching up with friends. I still hadn’t chosen a project for Diversity and the decision was looming over me. This was the first time since 7th grade I had no project, no ideas, nothing that would get me on the trip! My guess is (Diversity Project Director) Jeff Schwartz used his Ozark/Salem/Ceil witch magic (do we even know what that means?) to decipher my need of a project. He approached me and asked if I had heard of Not In Our School (NIOS). I said yes, because my mom had mentioned it. So, Jeff told me to contact (NIOTBN Education Chairman Camille Taylor), and we all decided to meet at Barnes and Noble. My comrade and fellow Diversity Project Scholar, Kavya, was there as well, and we discussed and brainstormed ways to start a NIOS club in Normal Community. I left the meeting feeling inspired, and hopeful that I could make a change in my high school.

I want to thank Jeff and Camille for sitting down with Kavya and I that day. Without your belief in us, NIOS wouldn’t exist in NCHS. I never would have met so many amazing people from Not in Our Town, and the community. I want to thank you guys so much for all your support and blessings. No thank you will ever be enough;  NIOS has given me hope for students that we can change the world by solving everyday issues at school.

 Starting the club was easier said than done. Kavya and I faced several dilemmas, but we never gave up. We want NCHS to support intolerance, anti- bullying, and end racism. Our goal is to make the school a more inclusive environment that supports the entire student body.

I think we're getting there.

With the help of our esteemed advisor Mr. Kelly Keogh, Normal Community’s Not in Our School had its first official meeting in the first week of February. The very next week we organized an event called Operation Beautiful for Valentine's Day. Operation Beautiful reminds students that they are important through compliments and nice words. Our goal was to write a compliment on a sticky note for every locker. There are approximately 2000 lockers at Normal Community! Through the help of NIOS students from Normal West, Future Business Leaders of America members, and Culture Club, we finished writing and putting up the sticky notes in an hour! I thought it was a miracle we finished at 3:45! I expected to stay until 5:00, but with the help and support from so many amazing people, we made every student smile the next day.

As I strolled down the hallways after all the sticky notes were put up, I took a moment to document this image in my memory. I have volunteered in the past, but this was different. This was something beautiful. I was part of something beautiful, something that would make a stranger smile, something that would remind students that they are loved and cared for at our school. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much in my life or felt true happiness until that day.

So when asked about my life and experiences, I say this: I have faced no real hardships, heartbreak, or pain. But I am lucky to enough to have felt hope and happiness. Serving Not In Our School has given happiness I will never forget, and hope that our future will be a better place if we choose to make it one."

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Paper Tigers Focuses on Traumatized Youth

Illinois State University will host a free public screening of Paper Tigers, a documentary examination of traumatized youth, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in Bone Student Center Braden Auditorium.

An expert panel discussion will follow the screening. Register online at www.cvent.com/d/qfqw0z. Not In Our Town is partnering in the presentation.

Paper Tigers is an intimate look into the lives of selected students at Lincoln High School, an alternative school that specializes in educating traumatized youth. Set amid the rural community of Walla Walla, Washington, the film closely examines the inspiring promise of trauma informed communities—a program that is showing great promise in healing youth struggling with the dark legacy of adverse childhood experiences. These potentially traumatic childhood events can have lasting effects on later-life health and well-being.

This film is co-hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Illinois Education Association Affiliates Region 14 and Region 62 (IEA), Bloomington Education Association (BEA), Bloomington Education Support Personnel (BESP), Unit Five Education Association (UFEA), Unit Five Support Professionals Association (UFSPA), ISU Non-Tenure Track Faculty Association (ISU NTTFA), ISU’s chapter of the Student Education Association (SEA), and the ISU College of Education.

Not In Our School Making The Elementary Grade

Normal's Unit 5 and Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal continue to plant the seed of inclusivity and security in area elementary schools.

Fox Creek Elementary School has joined Glenn Elementary in flying the Not In Our School banner pledging efforts to stop bullying and bigotry.

Fox Creek Principal Dennis Larson recently presided over a school assembly introducing students to the NIOS program, which has also taken hold in Twin Cities junior high and high schools. Larson also has helped facilitate an effort with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois, Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal, and Promise Council to recruit added adult mentors, particularly men, to help at-risk students who need assistance with their school work.

Unit 5 officials and NIOTBN's Education Subcommittee are looking to bring additional schools into the NIOS program.

Hindu Temple to Host March 19 Open House

Hindu Temple of Bloomington Normal, is hosting a March 19 community event for all Bloomington-Normal residents, to help promote Not in our Town: Bloomington/Normal faith and outreach efforts.  

"Attendees will have the opportunity to see the temple sanctum, learn about Sanatana Dharma – Hinduism -- and get a better sense about Hindus," temple President Chetan Desai said. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1815 Tullamore Avenue, Bloomington.

As seating is limited, visitors are asked to RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/qEZtKioea1
We hope that you can join us. 

The open house follows on the heels of a similar event at the Masjid Ibrahim mosque, and will include:
 

3–3:20 p.m.: Welcome address; Vedic chant in Sanskritam

3:20–4:15 p.m.: Overview, Philosophy, and Modern-Day Context of Sanatana Dharma

4:20–4:40 p.m.: Q&A

4:40–5 p.m.: Refreshments

Tricia: Downtown Collaborative Mural to 'Articulate Emotion'

Tricia Stiller, Executive Director

Downtown Bloomington Association

As seen in this preliminary design conception, the downtown mural will be based on NIOTBN's "quilt" design created in November 2014.

It's been a challenge for me to find just the right words for this essay. I've started and re-started more times than I'm willing to admit. I think the stumbling block lies in the fact that I'm genuinely excited about this collaboration, and to articulate emotion into plain text is not always an easy task. That's the beauty of this planned mural project - Art speaks for us when words can't. 
 
The evolution of this idea, in my mind, is a wonderful illustration of what makes ours a great community. We are a city that actively seeks opportunities to expand our understanding of one another. We passionately stand against all discrimination, through the efforts of NOT IN OUR TOWN (NOIT), and we ignite the spark of compassion in our future leaders by providing students with opportunities to meet and interact with those who live differently through the McLEAN COUNTY DIVERSITY PROJECT. And those are just two examples.

Bloomington/Normal is full of extraordinary people doing amazing things. 
 
When I was first approached about the idea of creating something lasting that would speak to this community's heart, I didn't hesitate. Though my previous explorations with the Diversity Project have been theatrical, I was especially pleased that I was asked about a mural, for that is something the Downtown Bloomington Association is quite passionate about. Through our Public Art Committee, we have added 4 murals to the downtown landscape in the last five years. We envision a city with art on every corner!

With this mural collaboration, scholars from the Diversity Project will be depicting the mission statement of NOT IN OUR TOWN on a prominent wall in our community. I am still awaiting confirmation on the exact location, but if things go as I hope, it will be stellar! 
 
The scholars will participate in a series of workshops that will incorporate conversation and creation, and I may even throw some theatre scenes at them, to help solidify our understanding of what our efforts mean - to us, to this community, and to the generations that follow.

In addition to the mural, original music, inspired by the message, will be composed by a couple of scholars, and those recordings will be added to the NOIT website.

Great things really do happen when we all work together. 

I am honored to be working on this project, and look forward to taking every step with these wonderful students.

NIOTBN's Becker Named Peace Prize Recipient

Kelley Becker, associate minister with Bloomington First Christian Church and chairman of the Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal Faith and Outreach Subcommittee, is 2016 recipient of the Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize.

Becker will honored at an April 24 awards reception.

The Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize recognizes individual achievements in peacemaking, leadership, community service, and activism. The award recipient will be presented with a plaque at a reception in the spring of 2016, and a gift of $250 will be made to an established program or scholarship at ISU selected by the recipient.

The prize is named for Joseph L. Grabill and Gerlof D. Homan, Illinois State University emeritus professors of history, who helped establish the interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies Program.

Becker helps oversee an outreach program that has included FCC’s now 17-year-old, multi-church Westside Block Party and construction and promotion of the Tiny House, a modular mini-home that could prove a key solution in transitioning people who currently are homeless into a socially and economically sustainable life. She has reached out to local people who are homeless on a personal level as well as through the church, and helped communicate with local police authorities and highlight the plight of homeless persons following last spring’s eviction of individuals from an outdoor encampment on Bloomington’s Market Street.

Becker has traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border, witnessed federal deportation “show trials” in the Southwest, and through photos, stories, and sermons helped illuminate complex issues of immigration, border security, and human rights. At a time when events in Ferguson, Baltimore, and Chicago underline concerns about police-community relations particularly along racial lines, Becker continues to communicate regularly with law enforcement officials, to affect greater understanding of community needs and police perceptions.

In the pulpit and in the community, she has worked for inclusivity of the LGBT community – she helped organize First Christian’s new One and All progressive service, which provides a worship opportunity for those who may not have felt welcome or accepted at other area churches.

Becker's Faith and Outreach Subcommittee is devoted to fostering interfaith understanding and aiding area churches in efforts to address bigotry and attain social justice for all Twin Citians. She played a key role with local Jewish and Islamic leaders in a December interfaith community solidarity event at the Old Courthouse in downtown Bloomington aimed at countering anti-Islamic sentiments.

Heartland Drama Examines Neighborhood and Race

Heartland Theatre Company's Clybourne Park, an examination of race relations and discrimination, continues through Feb. 25-27.

Clybourne Park, written by Bruce Norris and directed by Rhys Lovell, encompasses two acts set fifty years apart. Act One takes place in 1959, as nervous (white) community leaders anxiously try to stop the sale of a home to a black family. Act Two is set in the same house in the present day, as the now predominantly African-American neighborhood battles to hold its ground in the face of gentrification.

Clybourne Park is winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It includes mature themes and language. The local production is sponsored by Cindy and Mike Kerber.

Shows are Thursday through Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. General Admission is $15, with a senior discount (over 65) of $12 and a student discount of $5. To make a reservation, call the Heartland Theatre Box Office at 309-452-8709309-452-8709 or email boxoffice@heartlandtheatre.org

Rebecca: In Interfaith Relations, Trust is a MUST

Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe  

A few weeks ago, the local Muslim community in Bloomington/ Normal offered an Open House to invite others to learn about their Islam faith. In fact, there was an overwhelming response from the community, which actually led to many people being turned away at the event only because the mosque could not fit everyone. Now this is what I call a good problem!

Rabbi Dubowe at December's NIOTBN-sponsored interfaith rally at the old courthouse in downtown Bloomington.

I know all about what happened at the event because our synagogue, Moses Montefiore Congregation, as the only Jewish community in Bloomington, was going to arrange for a group to visit the Open House. And then we were informed that there was no room! It was until then we all agreed that there should be another open house because of the outpouring positive response and interest for the greater Bloomington/Normal community to get to know their interfaith neighbors.  

According to the Pew, Muslims make up less than 1 percent of Americans. About 1.8 million are adults, and if Muslims of all ages are counted, the total Muslim population in the United States comes to about 2.75 million. These small numbers may mean that most Americans will never come across a Muslim in their day-to-day life, and therefore, they may sometimes make biased assumptions about the entire community. This also means that approximately 8% of Americans may have met a Muslim when it should be 100%.  

Here in the Bloomington/Normal, our chances of meeting a Muslim is far greater than 8% because we have indicated the essential value of knowing our neighbors. When people get to know each other and are willing to listen with open hearts, they are more likely to understand and discover how much they have in common. The efforts for inter- community dialogue are one of the most effective ways to break down stereotypes about race and religion. And this is how trust is built!

The commandment—the obligation to establish relationships with our fellow Muslim neighbors along with our Christian neighbors— is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition. In the Torah, the Jews are taught to accept others without prejudice or bias. The Torah states, "You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. Reprove your kinsman, but incur no guilt because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your countrymen. Love your fellow as yourself: I am the Eternal.” In order to wholeheartedly embrace the Biblical teaching of loving one’s neighbor, trust must be taught and shared among us.

As we eagerly proceed with the goal of increased dialogue and interaction with our neighbors, I believe that these principles of Interreligious Dialogue would be a valuable source for us to consider.   Principles for Interreligious Dialogue (Adapted from Leonard Swidler, “The Dialogue Decalogue,” Journal of Ecumenical Studies 20/1:1-4).

1. Enter into dialogue so that you can learn and grow, not to change the other.

2. Be conscious of the need to allow people the space to enter the discussion. Some people are less assertive about offering their thoughts, but will be encouraged to do so if more outspoken persons avoid dominating the exchange.

3. Be honest and sincere, even if that means revealing discomforts with your own tradition or that of the other. Assume that everyone else is being equally honest and sincere.

4. Everyone must be permitted to define their own religious experience and identity, and this must be respected by others.

5. Proselytizing or seeking to “convert” the conversation partner is not permitted in an interreligious dialogue setting. Participants should feel free to express their own faith traditions and beliefs, but not try to persuade others to assent to them.

6. Don’t feel that you are the spokesperson for your entire faith tradition or that you ought somehow to know everything there is to know about it. Admit any confusion or uncertainty you might have if a puzzling question arises.

7. Don’t assume in advance where points of agreement or disagreement will exist.

8. Everyone should be willing to be self-critical.

9. All should strive to experience the other’s faith “from within” and be prepared to view themselves differently as a result of an “outside” perspective.

10. Trust is a must. Trust is a must and may we, as the Bloomington/Normal community, look forward to many more Open Houses filled with celebration of diversity, respect, and love.

Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe currently serves as the Interim Rabbi for Moses Montefiore Congregation in Bloomington.

BPD Testing for New Officers; March 3 Deadline

The Bloomington Police Department is testing for new officers in late March, and BPD Chief Brendan Heffner hopes soon to see new and diverse faces serving the community.

Cut-off date to apply is March 3. 

"Please spread the word, as it's time step it up for diversity," stressed Heffner, who stepped up efforts to recruit new officers, including minority patrol officers, roughly a year ago following a local Breaking Barriers police-community dialogue.

People can go to www.cityblm.org to apply online.

Operation Beautiful Offers Affirmation to NCHS Students

Normal Community High School students Thursday found something different in the school's hallways -- positive affirmation, courtesy of an NCHS' Not In Our School project Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal (NIOTBN) Education Subcommittee Chairman Camille Taylor deemed "seed planting."

"This afternoon, Not in Our School put compliments on about 2000 lockers at Normal Community!" student Aishwarya Shekara recounted. "But it wasn't just NIOS students from NCHS who helped.

"(Normal Community West High School Project Oz coordinator) Jessica Jackson and students from Normal West's NIOS and Hype club came to Normal Community after school to help us accomplish this task! Working together was so much fun, and though the rivalry between both schools is strong, it was put aside for friendship. Students from Culture Club and Future Business Leaders of America took part as well, and we finished around 4. I expected us to take three hours, but we did it in one! All of our clubs worked in unity today and it was beautiful to watch! Thank you all so much for your time and support. I can honestly say that I am blessed to go to Normal Community. Thank you for everything!"

Shekara is the daughter of Illinois State University arts instructor Archana Shekara, a member of the NIOTBN Steering Committee.

Karen: Local Women Affirm 'Common Pursuit of Peace and Prosperity'

Karen Fleming

The 20th Annual International Women’s Breakfast is March 5 at Eastland Suites in Bloomington. 

“On this day in the Twin Cities, we affirm our support for women around the world in our common pursuit of peace and prosperity, and come together to learn from each other.”  Soroptimist International of Bloomington-Normal, League of Women Voters, and McLean County India Association co-sponsor this annual event that was started 20 years ago by the American Association of University Women.  Over the years, various women’s groups have participated in the planning and we welcome every women’s group in town to participate.  We are pleased to once again have corporate sponsorship from COUNTRY Insurance. 

What started as an opportunity for a small group of local women to learn about mission trips and programs that support women in other countries, has grown to over 200 women of all cultures coming together to learn about each other and discuss how issues that affect us individually usually affect women everywhere.  This year’s panelists include three local women – Senna Abjabeng of Mid Central Community Action’s Neville House; Hansa Jaggi, Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker; and Stephanie Wong, Attorney at Law, Skelton and Wong. P.C., with Loretta Thirtyacre as moderator.

No matter where we are from, we are a community and try to make this event about finding common ground and common areas of interest through conversation.  For more information about IWDB, please call 309-454-2513 or email kfleming1973@gmail.com.  Tickets are $25 payable in advance – payable to SIBN and mailed to 1416 Godfrey Drive; Normal, IL61761.

Muslims Show Compassion, Share Believes with Community

Julia Evelsizer

The Pantagraph

Stephen Robinson, sociology teacher at Normal Community High School, eagerly accepted a student's invitation to learn about a different religion.

Pantagraph photo by Steve Smedley

Robinson is Buddhist. The student is Muslim. The invitation was for Saturday's open house at Masjid Ibrahim mosque, 2407 E. Washington St.

About 100 Christians, Buddhists and atheists filled the mosque to learn more about the Islamic faith from their Muslim neighbors.

“We hope people will use this event to learn more about Islam personally, rather than to only hear what’s reported in the media,” said mosque president, Mohammed Zaman.

Robinson and his partner, Jaime Breeck, attended with their 2-year-old son, Avram.

“We wanted to support the Muslim community and have a better understanding of their faith,” said Breeck.

“We are conscious of the discriminatory culture we live in," added Robinson. "We brought our son here because we want him to learn about all different people and cultures so he can decide what he wants in life.”

Zaman said one of the event's main goals was to dispel myths about Islam.

“Many think the two words that should come after Muslim are ‘terrorism’ and ‘violence,’ but it is a very peaceful religion,” said Zaman.

Guests were greeted at the door and asked to remove their shoes. The mosque provided lunch and reading materials; visitors could ask questions and watch prayers. Each was offered a copy of the Quran to take home.

Director Sabeel Ahmed of Gain Peace, a non-profit Chicago organization whose goal is to educate the public about Islam, was the main speaker.

“We are all a part of this wonderful country and we hope many will leave this event as friends," said Ahmed.

He explained the basics of Islamic beliefs and how closely the religion is tied to Christianity.

“We believe in one God and we worship him as the creator, not creation itself, just like Christians,” said Ahmed.

During his studies of the bible, Ahmed found most of the scriptures to be the same. Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet and accept him the same way they accept Mohammed as a prophet. They believe Mohammed to be the last prophet of God, with Jesus before him.

“Powerful is not he who knocks the other down. Indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger,” said Ahmed, quoting Mohammed.

Kelley Becker, associate minister at First Christian Church in Bloomington, attended with church members. Becker, who works with Not In Our Town of Bloomington-Normal, said NIOT is working with local Hindu and Jewish temples on more open houses. 

“It’s hard to hate people when you come face to face and listen to their stories,” said Becker. “We all see God similarly and we all want the same things for the world and our families.”