The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice applauds all who were involved in the History Book Festival, an event that created an excellent opportunity for a diverse community gathering. The three-day event not only included an assembly of important contemporary writers and thinkers, but also offered all of us the opportunity to listen and learn from those we may seldom meet or socialize with. Those who produced this event accomplished what many other organizations, including SDARJ, have worked toward: a community-wide gathering that celebrates our cultural differences, and recognizes the need for and value of a diverse community that works together on behalf of all residents.
The History Book Festival was indeed a magnificent community-building event. Through our shared love of reading and learning, our respect and acceptance of the power of history in building a better future for our heirs, we were able to listen to and hear one another. The power of diversity in our conversations was very apparent. I look forward to this memorable community event to continue in subsequent years. I also hope that those of us who attended will take time during the interim months to join or create similar diverse social opportunities. To others, I say, don't be afraid of facts, history, truth; they are the only paths to freedom, safety and the richness of sharing our common humanity.
I look forward to the next History Book Festival and pledge the support of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice.