Webinar to address racism and bigotry during COVID-19

Racial and social justice leaders across Montana will host an online webinar Friday to discuss strategies for reducing racism and bigotry and increasing empathy and compassion as the coronavirus continues to spread across the state.

The webinar, according to a press release, will feature a series of 10-minute presentations that will “inform and equip Montanans with current and historical information about key social and racial issues and initiatives.”

The 90-minute presentation is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Friday and will take place on the online meeting platform, Zoom.

“This online meeting will connect experts in social and racial justice work from across the state to empower, engage, and inform the people on issues that are affecting Montana’s diverse communities in the midst of COVID-19,” said Alex Kim, community organizer and activist for social and racial justice issues. “These leaders are working together to reject misinformation and discrimination by using acceptance, empathy and compassion.”

According to the press release representatives from several groups and organizations will discuss specific issues that “are arising and the ways these organizations and professionals are providing community responses.”

These entities include the Montana Racial Equity Project, the University of Montana and the Montana Human Rights Network. Representatives, according to the press release, will cover a wide array of topics including what health-care resources are available for Montana’s indigenous communities, exposing and addressing white nationalist conspiracy theories around coronavirus and how to engage community members in discussions around active anti-racism.

Those interested in listening in can find the Zoom link at https://www.facebook.com/events/699080937528290/ or by searching for the Facebook event titled “Montana Social and Racial Justice Webinar During COVID-19.” A recording and transcript will be available after the webinar as well.