Description

One of CIC's primary activities was to hold biweekly meetings called "community dialogues" to discuss broad issues such as racism, police sensitivity, education, and employment discrimination within the city of San Diego. At the beginning of the meeting, CIC Executive Director Carroll Waymon calls for a few moments of silence to be observed for the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was murdered the night before. Waymon then announces a march in honor of Dr. King at the La Jolla Cove. Other attendees mention marches and programs at State College and UCSD. Next, Waymon reads a request by a member for recess of the meeting to mourn Dr. King’s death. An attendee also requests that the meeting be adjourned. Another attendee, who identifies himself as white, recommends that the meeting continue so that white people can consider their role in Dr. King’s death and not console themselves with false shows of mourning. Next, various attendees discuss proposed actions for San Diego government leaders to take to address problems of “white racism.” There is extensive debate about the value of leaders making a public statement of recognition or pronouncement of white racism as a problem. Next, Waymon reads a statement about proposed “ghetto rule” in public schools in southeast San Diego (i.e., schools being under the control of the predominant race in the school’s community) to gain reaction from attendees. The group debates a motion to present the statement to the San Diego Unified School Board. After a vote, the motion dies. Lastly, there is discussion about the nature and purpose of the committee. The group votes to shift the focus of the community dialogues from philosophy to action and the motion is passed.