All cities need hope - From The Editor's Desk - Brief Article

In this issue we carry a lead story about an American initiative to unite racially diverse communities. Hope in the Cities (HIC), based in Richmond, Virginia, has a well established track record of helping people of different racial and cultural backgrounds and diverse political views to engage in `honest conversations' with a view to understanding each other and overcoming historic divisions. At the same time HIC is working with other organizations to address economic and social needs--also an essential part of building community solidarity.

It is a story that has great relevance to many parts of the world. Last summer there were serious riots in three northern English towns and cities. A Home Office sponsored report, published in December, paints `a devastatingly frank picture of racial segregation in inner cities', in the words of The Independent.

The report, drawn up by the Community Cohesion Review Team (CCRT), comes up with 67 recommendations, some of which are highly controversial. They call for an oath of allegiance for new immigrants; the universal acceptance of the English language; a greater role for young people in policy making; and faith-based schools to offer at least a quarter of their places to other, or non-, faith children. In an echo of the `honest conversations' theme, the report says that the `statement of allegiance' should be preceded by `an honest and open national debate'.

As in the US, racial prejudice needs to be confronted in schools, places of work and wherever it occurs. But just as urgent is the need to address the economic exclusion that means that a disproportionate number of people from the ethnic minorities lack jobs, prospects, educational opportunities and decent housing. Britain will never be a truly multiracial society until effective action is taken on both these fronts.

Political measures, such as banning racist behaviour and providing jobs skills programmes, clearly have a part. But governments need great wisdom. The CCRT report points out that funding many `separate and distinct community interests' tends to reinforce cultural differences. But some have accused the CCRT of falling into a similar trap in that some of its proposals would in practice apply mainly to minority ethnic groups.

No government has the power to ban prejudice. Building a just society for all needs the commitment of many ordinary citizens. And, as HIC demonstrates, the first step may be to learn the art of honest conversation--where we create spaces in which it is safe to expose our deepest feelings as well as to listen to those of others.

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