A new southeast Ohio chapter of the national organization, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) will hold its first meeting on February 28th from 7-9pm at the Christ Lutheran Church on Mill St. in Athens. During the meeting, attendees will learn about SURJ’s mission and strategies and how to become engaged in issues of racial inequality and white privilege.

The group aims to mobilize white people behind a multiracial movement. By addressing privilege, SURJ intends to make white people more accountable to the struggle for racial justice and equality.

Some people are not sure how they can help end racism, but SURJ feels that it can be a starting point for those who may feel lost.

John Schmieding, member of the SURJ steering committee, has hope that people will find a way to make a difference.

“Lots of us who are white are concerned about racism and wondering what we can do. Here is a chance to be part of a group working together to see what kind of difference we can make.”