A start: Forum raised the questions. Now it is about communication.

There should have been 500 people, not just 50, at the community forum to discuss race relations and this community's future at the Paramount Theatre Thursday night.

And the reason that many people stayed away might have been indicative of one of the challenges many communities face.

It is difficult to trust not only in the process, but in each other. No one knew what to expect, so some people thought it would be safer to stay home.

But the problem is, nothing gets solved when people stay home.

Overcoming barriers begins with communication and real efforts to understand the experience of the other person.

But it requires honesty, too -- the truth about what this community faces every day and what really needs to be done to correct it.

It is not easy to look into that mirror.

But here is the good news. Thursday's forum was a first step. It was a chance to start a discussion about the problems, the causes and the consequences.

And once a discussion like that starts, think of the possibilities for the future of this community.

One of those who did attend the forum pointed out that if the community does not talk and the concerns are not addressed, our children will still be talking about how to bridge the gap.

What a gift it would be to those future generations if we could find a way to understand more, to attack the real issues and to move forward, united.

And that discovery does not have to come in a 500-seat auditorium. It can start in chance meetings, common purpose and in simple discussions between neighbors, co-workers or friends.

It can start with one person, a couple of people at lunch or a discussion at a church or community event.

All it takes is an open heart and an open mind.

What an example we could set for our children and grandchildren if we were the community that made it happen.

Published in Editorials on November 7, 2014 11:01 AM