(CLEVELAND, OH – 8/31/12) – A representative of the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) recently spoke as part of a panel on race relations hosted by the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Community Relations Board.

The panel, which was held in the City Hall Rotunda on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, included a diverse panel that presented an array of perspectives on the subjects of race, ethnicity, and diversity. Panelists included Peggy Zone Fisher, CEO of the Diversity Center; Dr. Ronnie Dunn, a professor and expert on racial profiling from Cleveland State University; Julia A. Shearson of the Council on American-Islamic Relations; Phyllis Davis of the LGBT Center; Judge Annette Butler; Pastor Max Rodas; and Ben King Stewart, a student at John Adams High.

The panelists discussed the state of race relations in the Cleveland area as well as trends across the country. The panelists pointed to entrenched structural inequities that continue to perpetuate race and class divides, but they also applauded strides that have been made to help improve inter-racial relations on the personal level. The youth panelist discussed how different generations view race and diversity. The panel was moderated by Casey Greer of Heights Community Congress, who challenged the audience and the panelists to present ideas for building better understanding across diverse communities.

“This forum was an excellent opportunity to start an honest conversation on race relations in our region.” CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson said. “It was also a chance to explore ways to confront past wrongs, to address today’s challenges, and to embrace a shared future in terms of building a truly pluralistic society where diversity is always an asset, never a liability.”

CONTACT:  CAIR-Ohio Communications Coordinator Hanna Tyler, 614.451.3232, E-Mail: htyler@cair.com.