Twelve years ago, Donna Odom's work at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum led her to form the Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society to bring light to African- American history in the region. But soon it was clear that her new group was developing another calling: Racial healing. So now it's officially amending its name and mission statement at a public event on Wednesday, June 17th.
On WMUK's WestSouthwest, Odom talks to Local Morning Edition Host Earlene McMichael about why the Black Heritage Society renamed itself to SHARE, which stands for Society for History and Racial Equity. Odom also shares what prompted the organization's founding and how it has evolved over the years.
The group rolls out its new name at 6 p.m., Wednesday June 17th at its “Building a Racial Equity Network” discussion and networking event, where representatives from a variety of anti-racism groups will talk about what they each do. It will be held at the downtown branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library in the third-floor Van Deusen Room. No advance registration is needed. Being "a clearinghouse" for information about groups doing racial justice advocacy is among the new roles of the Society for History and Racial Equity.
More information about the Society for History and Racial Equity can be found on its website and on its Facebook page.
