As discussions about race relations continue across the nation, many people are working to bridge the gaps.
Goldie Taylor, former St. Louisan and senior editor for Blue Nation Review, joined “St. Louis on the Air” host Don Marsh to talk about the issues and importance of social equality. Taylor is also a contributor for CNN and HLN, and a former contributor for MSNBC.
Since August 2014, conversations on race and equality have sparked a variety of debates. However, Taylor explained that she hopes discussions will result in necessary changes that will move St. Louis, and the entire country, forward.
“At this very moment, [race relations] are very worrisome and troublesome to me,” Taylor said. “But they’re not unlike they have been over the course of my life. Over the course of my life, I don’t know that they’ve been better, although we’re more vocal today about our differences and ideologies. Our dirty laundry is out for everyone to see, and they have to be reckoned with.”
The Justice Department’s report on Ferguson did not come as a surprise for Taylor. Much of what was pointed out in the report were situations that were realities for African-Americans in St. Louis, she said.
“When you take a look at some of the patterns of policing throughout St. Louis County, these were things that we all grew up with,” Taylor explained. “They were the realities of being black in St. Louis and around the area.”
Once incidents in Ferguson happened, Taylor, who currently lives in Alexandria, Va., was concerned about whether media outlets would get the story right.
“I wondered if national media would get the story right,” she said. “I wondered if they understood the fabric and framework at work in St. Louis and other big cities across the country. I wondered if they understood the story that was unfolding. Even more than that, I wondered if local media understood what was happening around them.”
Taylor said she believes that the country is in its “third wave” of a civil rights movement, as discussions on racial disparities and concerns continue.
“This is the generation that will carry the baton forward for us,” Taylor said. “They are the generation who will, I think, continue to hold these conversations and press for change, when many of us in the older generation, frankly, were not able to or were not willing to.”
Among other topics, Taylor shared her thoughts on the Confederate flag, and the significance of having it removed from statehouse in South Carolina.
“I don’t believe in the erasure of history,” she said. “What does concern me, however, is when we take these symbols and use them, not for the greater good, but for the condemnation of human rights.”
On July 23, Taylor will be the emcee of a symposium on social equality presented by the Junior Chamber International. The University of Missouri-St. Louis will host the event.
Related Event:
- When: Thursday, July 23, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Where: UMSL's Touhill Performing Arts Center
- More information
St. Louis on the Air discusses issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh. Follow us on Twitter: @STLonAir.