FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 15, 2001
Julie Levak, Director of External Affairs, California Council for the Humanities
(415) 391-1474
jlevak@calhum.org
In wake of domestic hate crimes following September 11 tragedy, California Council for the Humanities seeks to support humane response by California communities
SAN FRANCISCO -- The California Council for the Humanities (CCH) announced today a new statewide effort--the 911 Community Dialogue Fund--designed to use public education and dialogue to stem attacks on California Arab and Muslim communities in the wake of the September 11th tragedy.
According to CCH Executive Director, James Quay, "The purpose of the Community Dialogue Fund is to support the use of public education and open discussion to allow Californians to fashion a humane response to the fear and anger that acts of terrorism create." Citing recent alleged hate crimes and intimidation of Arab Americans and members of the Muslim community, Quay noted that, "We all need knowledge in areas where we are ignorant--about Islam or the Koran, for example. We need historical perspective in areas where we think we are eager to act--about our own responses to such attacks in the past, for example, or the ethical judgments of other religions and cultures."
The CCH hopes that the public forums supported through the 911 Community Dialogue Fund will help create a deeper understanding of the historical, philosophical, and religious underpinnings that led to the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Specifically, grants made through the 911 Community Dialogue Fund will go to organizations interested in fostering cross-cultural dialogue with the support of humanities scholars--experts in history, philosophy, comparative religion and area studies.
Quay was hopeful about the positive outcome of these and other programs, stating "What some Americans did on September 11th and after has shown the world the best of what human beings are capable of. The extraordinary courage of emergency personnel, the compassion of blood donors and the outpouring of support for numerous relief efforts have helped balance the darkness and horror of September 11th with images of light and admiration. Such efforts challenge each of us to demonstrate the same courage, compassion and caring to our Muslim and Arab American neighbors."
Founded in 1975, the California Council for the Humanities is an independent, nonprofit funder and creator of programs that seek to enrich California's cultural life and strengthen its communities by promoting the public's involvement in the humanities. The humanities explore human histories, cultures, and values. Those interested in receiving community discussion grants or in making donations to the 911 Community Dialogue Fund are encouraged to go to the CCH website, www.calhum.org, or contact the CCH administrative office at 415/391-1474.
# # #