More Alike Than Unalike
Feature Story by archives.civilrights.org staff - 11/8/2002
National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ) has launched an ad campaign, inviting all Americans to join to fight against bias, bigotry and prejudice in their communities. At the ad launch, NCCJ also gathered a panel of five distinguished members to discuss the issues and campaign: Maya Angelou, author and social activist; Matthew Blank, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Showtime Network; Sanford Cloud, President and Chief Executive Director of NCCJ; Lisa Parmelee, Editor and Assistant Director of Roper Center of Public Opinion Research; Rana Tiwari, Attorney and Chair Emeritus of NCCJ (Orlando Region). Ed Gordon, broadcaster of BET tonight and journalist, moderated the panel.
The 30-second TV and radio ads contain vivid images of children. The voice of Dr. Maya Angelou (Tony Plana in the Spanish version) reminds that "we all learn to hate at an early age" and invites us to "join the fight against bias, bigotry and prejudice" starting from home and kitchen table.
To emphasize the urgent need to look into the issue, NCCJ also released a public opinion research findings conducted in partnership with the Roper Center. "The impact September 11 has had on inter-group relations in America is dramatic," said Dr. Lisa Parmelee, Editor and Assistant Director of Roper Center. "Our research shows that in the shadow of great national tragedy, the divisions of race and ethnicity continue to run deep and the perceived increase in racial and ethnic unity is superficial."
Dr. Maya Angelou joined the panel discussion in National Press Club via Satellite from New York. She encouraged all Americans to take initiatives to socialize more and learn more about people of different color, race, ethnicity and faith. She remarked, "We, though different in color, race, ethnicity and faith, are more alike than unalike."
