he said. Injustice looks a lot like me. There are too many things that I've been silent about.
Robinson reminded the audience that racism still exists and promoted dialogue as a means to end discrimination.
Speakers at yesterday's panel about injustice encouraged attendees to step outside of their comfort zones and respond to inequality and discrimination.
Seven panelists discussed racism, poverty, religion, heterosexism and international injustice during the Responding to Injustice: The Legacy of Dr. King panel yesterday in Baker University Center. About 80 people attended the panel, which was part of Ohio University's weeklong celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Reggie Robinson, community services manager for Health Recovery Services in Athens, focused on racism.
(Injustice) looks a lot like that deafening silence that seems to be pervasive today (because) we don't have a lot of Martin Luther King Jr.s who are willing to speak up and put themselves on the line he said. Injustice looks a lot like me. There are too many things that I've been silent about.
Robinson reminded the audience that racism still exists and promoted dialogue as a means to end discrimination.
If we forget we're doomed to repeat. We've got to talk about this stuff
he said. This is not the time to bury the dialogue.
Peggy Gish, a local human rights activist, spoke about her experiences working in Iraq with the Christian Peacemaker Teams. Gish asked the audience members if they were willing to risk their lives or reputations for peace and justice.
Following Gish and Robinson's talks, the discussion turned toward poverty.
You don't really understand things like the laws of the state regarding paying their workers until you've worked four hours and have gotten paid $5
said Keith Wasserman, the founder of Good Works, Inc., an Athens-based charity that helps the poor.
Mickey Hart, director of OU's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center, spoke about heterosexism and legalizing gay marriage. He said marriage is more than just a word - it also guarantees insurance and tax benefits as well as hospital visitation rights.
Although the panelists discussed varying forms of inequality, each encouraged people to speak out against injustice.
The speakers all brought their own perspectives to the panel, said Athens resident Debbie Schmeiding.
I have a great deal of admiration for Keith and Peggy
she said. Both have spent a great deal of time and effort throwing themselves in front of injustice.
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