New Book Shows Importance of Differing Strategies in Anti-Racism Fight

10/31/2002

From: Liselle Yorke of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 202-789-6366; email: lyorke@jointcenter.org

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Tug-of-wars over style and strategy have often strained the relationship between groups in the race relations and racial justice movement. Some have been labeled as too confrontational, while others have been accused of working too much within the power structure. Holding Up the Mirror: Working Interdependently for Just and Inclusive Communities, a new book published by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, shows that mutual acceptance of seemingly competing tactics can make the movement stronger and more effective.

"There can never be a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to race relations because race problems appear in different ways and affect people differently," said Joint Center president, Eddie N. Williams. "In Holding Up the Mirror, race relations and racial justice groups from across a wide spectrum are acknowledging that strategic collaborations can help them all reach a wider, more diverse audience more effectively."

Written by Maggie Potapchuk, senior program associate with the Joint Center's Network of Alliances Bridging Race and Ethnicity (NABRE) program, Holding Up the Mirror provides greater insight into nine distinct approaches being used by local and national organizations across the country. It also recommends ways for creating collaborative strategies to address community issues.

Holding Up the Mirror: Working Interdependently for Just and Inclusive Communities can be ordered for $15.00 through the Joint Center's Office of Communications and Marketing at 202-789-3500. The book and a preceding 'How-To' forum were supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Launched in November 2000, NABRE (pronounced "neighbor") assists community-based race relations and racial justice organizations to share "promising practices" for confronting common challenges, to effectively measure their progress and gather information for long-term planning, to broaden the base of support for their communities' activities, and to recruit new leaders in communities throughout the country.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, conducts research and analyses on public policy issues of concern to African Americans and other minorities, promotes their involvement in the governance process, and operates programs that create coalitions within the minority, business and other diverse communities. For more information, visit http://www.jointcenter.org.