City Primary Discussion: Race and the Race February 23, 2009

Last week we had a casual discussion about the upcoming city primary. We will be continuing this next Monday, the 23rd, with a new sponsor to the event, the Saint Louis Beacon’s Bob Duffy offering some structured conversation. Along with the Beacon, we will also have hosts Steve Patterson of urbanreviewstl.com, Dave Drebes of the Arch City Chronicle and the Missouri Scout, and DJ Wilson of KDHX’s Collateral Damage.

A discussion of race at a time of political engagement in St. Louis, co-sponsored by The Royale and the St. Louis Beacon. February 23, 2009.

Agenda:
The purpose of this meeting is to encourage a civilized discussion of the racial tensions and progress in race relations in the St. Louis region – a topic that is always relevant here but even more so at a time when the Mayoral election in the City of St. Louis brings racial politics into high relief, if for no other reason than the fact that the incumbent is white and the opposing candidates are African American. The discussion is meant to initiate a long a searching examination of the topic. Its complexity assures nothing will be solved in the course of the evening,

The Evening:
Steven F. Smith and Robert W. Duffy, proprietor of the Royale and associate editor of the St. Louis Beacon respectively, will moderate the discussion. Smith will introduce Duffy, who will discuss the background and the formation of the Beacon and will mention past collaborations with the Royale, including coverage by Smith et al of the Inauguration in January.

Duffy will explain that in the organization phase of the St. Louis Beacon, one issue was mentioned constantly as being of paramount interest and concern to the Beacon staff, in terms of providing in depth coverage of the enormously complicated issue of Race. The Cookie Thornton Story in Kirkwood was an immediate concern as we just begun publication. The story and issues related to it have continued to be discussed in depth on the site.

Smith will explain his commitment to making the Royale a convivial meeting place for the civilized discussion of political, social and cultural issues of concern and relevance to the region. His commitment is based on a long standing interest in the revival of the city proper and the sustained economic and cultural health of the region.

Smith or Duffy will throw out an initial question: How seriously is race to be taken as an issue in this election, and Why? Or, How is the region enriched by racial diversity and how do racial issues have negative impact? Or, How do you personally deal with racial prejudices in your daily personal and business life?

Smith and Duffy will caution the audience that although heated discussions are encouraged, this is not Bill Reilly or even Jon Stewart, but a situation providing a place for and encouragement of honest but respectful discussion.

Official Website: http://www.theroyale.com/blog/2009/02/19/city-primary-discussion-race-and-the-race/