New grant program aims to facilitate discussions about race and equality
If you’ve got ideas to spur conversation about race, equality and history in South Hampton Roads, Virginia Humanities wants to hear from you.
The organization is working with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to fund programs that foster these discussions, and they’re inviting nonprofits to apply.
The number of grants awarded depends on the applications, but most grants will range from $5,000 to $10,000. Applications are due by Dec. 1.
The grant opportunity is part of a three-phase program kicked off in 2019 called “Beneath the Surface: Race and the History of Race.”
Phase One was in May 2019 when author Beverly Daniel Tatum spoke in Chesapeake. The author, who penned “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria,” answered questions and used some of her own life experience as examples, touching on topics like white privilege.
Phase Two, “Unmasking Hampton Roads,” came in last October and included panel discussions, a play, as well as small group discussions among community members.
“There was a lot of great feedback from (those small discussions),” said Vivian Oden, vice president for special projects at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
“I’ve heard feedback that some of the people that attended the Unmasking Hampton Roads series have continued conversations with their groups.”
The grants will allow these discussions to continue, she said. Proposals can be virtual or in-person events, as long as they follow CDC guidelines.
“The idea is that they would submit an application with their idea of what they want to have,” Oden said. “They should already have their grant idea established.”
Suggested topics include the history of race in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virgi ni a Beach and Suffolk, anti
Black racism and how racism impacts Black communities in South Hampton Roads.
David Bearinger, director of the grants program at Virginia Humanities, said the program is about looking honestly at the past and the future.
“We’re hoping to not just look back at history, but to use history to understand where we are and where we want to go,” he said.
They want to hear from everyone, Bearinger said.
“What’s important to us is that we are making this grant opportunity available to the widest possible range,” he said. “We don’t want to leave anybody out. Beyond that, we want to reach smaller organizations.”
There will be online information sessions Oct. 14 and 22 for those who have questions about the grant program.
To apply, visit VirginiaHumanities.org/grants.