Mission Statement: Combine the powers of film, discussion, and truth to foster growth and understanding so that we can transform the fundamental ways in which we interact with racism
Vision Statement: We see in the people of Kirkwood the magnificent possibility to achieve racial understanding, peace, and solidarity, and to model how this can be achieved in communities across the world.
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The Story
It was mid-February and I only had a few more days to come up with a proposal for a Szymczak Intership – a create your own internship program through the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. I was considering three organizations to intern with but I wasn’t sure if I was truly passionate about any of these opportunities. Having just prepared a speech explaining how racial dynamics are still ingrained in our national fabric, I thought of making a documentary on race relations in Kirkwood. Even without any significant experience in film or broadcast, the more I thought about this, the more excited I became about the possibility of a documentary that explores the role that faith and nonviolence can play in the path to racial understanding and solidarity.
On March 27, 2009 I was awarded an $1,800 grant and a Szymczak Internship to launch Aren’t We All Equal, the project to transform our understanding of racism using film and social media.
Over the past year I have embarked on a sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, and wholly rewarding journey to become more conscious of the world in which I live. As part of this journey I wrestle with my inner racist and the social conditioning (especially through the media) that I am exposed to everyday. I invite you to follow my blog and in doing so to join me on this journey.
If you want to become a more conscious citizen then follow my blog to be more aware of other people’s opinions and stories about the various types of racism and privileges, the histories of Kirkwood and Meacham Park, and the powers of restorative justice and creative nonviolence.
Please add your voice to the story (you can comment on the blog or email me at chris.jeske@arentweallequal.com) so this is not just my story of struggle, but our story of understanding and transformation.
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The Team
Chris Jeske
I am a long time resident of Kirkwood, MO and a 2007 Kirkwood High School graduate where I received the John Johnson Quiet Leadership Award. Currently I am studying Information Technology, Marketing, and Africana Studies at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
I am the author of the content of this website unless otherwise noted.
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