Why do it this way?

In anticipation of hosting a public meeting that gives voice to the
disparate constituencies that comprise northern Mississippi, we began
preparatory work in early January. After isolating ten constituency
groups - labor, business, housing, community organizing, environment,
art, healthcare, religion, and education - members of our organizing
committee fanned out into the community, seeking advice and involvement
from as wide an array of individuals and organizations as possible. By
early February, we began hosting preliminary meetings. The first and
most widely attended was held on the University of Mississippi campus.
Julian Bond, noted civil rights veteran, politician and educator, served
as moderator.

The preliminary meetings had three purposes: 

1) To provide a local forum for discussions of race and its impact;
2) To share information about ongoing efforts to address race and its impact;
3) To allow participants to self-select representatives to express their
views and concerns during the public meeting.

Beyond matters of practicality and participation, the overarching idea
behind these preliminary meetings was to begin a long-overdue
conversation about race and its impact upon the communities of northern
Mississippi. Our hope is that when President Clinton's initiative on
race, One America, arrives here in Oxford for a public meeting, they
walk into a conversation that we are already having. 

Furthermore, it is our hope that this conversation continues long after
they have left. Perhaps what we begin here in Oxford can serve as a
laboratory for how the nation should talk about race. Should you wish to
become involved, please contact us via e-mail. welcometable@olemiss.edu