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OTHER NEWS STORIES - Adrenaline! rushed to recognition - Religious forum strives to reach understanding - This week in history - News Briefs Film demonstrates race relations are still relevant Mbedha Kiboigo Ebbtide Reporter For Black History Month several events have been planned to commemorate the contributions of several leaders to the legacy of this power struggle for freedom. Last Friday, Dr. Johnson hosted a showing of the Spike Lee joint "4 Little Girls," to discuss the what has become known as "Birmingham Sunday." On Sept. 15, 1963, during Sunday school, a bomb was thrown into the basement of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. 11-year old Denise McNair and three 14-year olds, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley and Carol Robertson, were killed instantly. The church had been the meeting place for civil rights rallies, meetings. This tragedy illustrated the intensity of the racial divisions in society during the 1960s. It was agreed from the discussion that preceded this film, that in an attempt to disassociate ourselves with oppressors or with the oppressive systems in society, we have failed to acknowledge the covert acts of racism and correct them. Unfortunately, it is not until an atrocity occurs that we change our behavior; we must acknowledge the systems of privileges in society. Dr. Johnson stated that society has created a way in which we can dismiss barbarity done by others. Thus we have separated ourselves from the humanity of these acts of violence. This approach has made it easier to justify the malignant treatment against the "Other" even when our ultimate motivation is to annihilate them. "4 Little Girls" demonstrates that despite the attempts made to suppress the aspirations of African Americans, a stronger solidarity was created. © 2003 Shoreline Community College™