A group aiming to promote unity in Greenwood will give people an opportunity to share ideas Thursday at a forum.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity.
It is intended to fulfill the Bridge’s mission statement of promoting an “environment that builds trust and relationships across cultural and ethnic lines.” Bridge members meet and openly discuss any issues the participants would like to bring to the table.
The meetings include a diverse range of topics, as long as they’re not political.
“It’s a safe place to explore ideas,” said Anita Batman, an original member of the organization. “We have talked about everything from domestic violence to civic beautification.”
Freddy Baine, leader of the Bridge, said the group has no political agenda. “There are very few institutions in our community where our citizens can come together across ethnic lines,” Baine said.
Participation is voluntary, and guests are welcome to observe if they do not wish to join the conversation, Baine said.
Batman said people divided by church, race or geography often have more in common than they would expect.
“I remember when I was a young white girl who rode my bike down to watch the last time the gear wheels turned the bridge,” Batman said. “At the same time, there was a black boy the same age on the other bank watching the very same thing.”
The boy was Bill Ware, a person Batman said has become a good friend of hers.
“We have so much common ground between us,” Batman said. If we hadn’t met through this group, I may not have had the chance to be his friend.”
Elizabeth “Pann” Powers, another member of the Bridge, said the organization helps expand the opportunity for friendship across different ethnic backgrounds.
“We are surely more alike than we are different,” Powers said. “However, we need a chance to get to know one another on a personal basis and explore how alike we really are.”
Powers said the Bridge would like to help people become more comfortable with others of all races.
“We hope our community will embrace this group and join in the effort to bridge any divide that still exists,” Powers said.
