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An open letter to Hidden Voices

Posted on February 27, 2008February 27, 2008 by Staff

[Editor’s note: The following is an open letter to Hidden Voices and the participants of The ArtsCenter’s production “Because We’re Still Here (and Moving).”]

Francesca Hyatt

I was deeply moved by the performance this past Friday, and grateful that so many were willing to share their stories. Some of the stories were almost unbearably sad — stories of prejudice and fear, of meanness and ignorance. Some of the stories were beautiful — stories of family and tight-knit community, of providing for each other’s needs, of inter-generational relationships. Some things I learned were alarming; I never understood so clearly until watching the performance how damaging integration policies were to the Northside community.

One element that I felt was missing in the performance was even a mention of the need for healing between the Caucasian population of Chapel Hill/Carrboro and the African-American community. I realize that the focus was on telling stories that might otherwise be forgotten, but if we only tell the story of oppression and the desire to overcome, we will continue to create a world where we are all battling for power instead of learning how live together. I’m not suggesting that this is the sentiment of those who were involved in the project — I’m sure that it’s not. But I am wondering — what is the next step and how can I be involved?

The Hidden Voices brochure says that in Stage 3, at the performances, “interested audience members will be prompted to choose one of several targeted actions as a means of addressing the issues raised by the show.” I’m not sure if I missed this or if it didn’t happen — but I don’t think it’s too late!

I am a Caucasian female and have been living in the Sunset neighborhood for six months. I realize that I am part of the change that is happening in this community, that I am here because I can afford to rent one of the new houses built on an empty lot where someone probably used to raise chickens and grow vegetables. It terrifies me to think that I might be contributing to the breaking apart of a community, when one of the main things I want in life is to live in a neighborhood where people look out for each other, where grandparents impart wisdom and kids can play freely outdoors.

I would love to sit with residents of the Northside neighborhood and hear more of their stories and ideas, and find out what can be done to keep this community thriving. I would love to hear what my neighbors would like from me, an outsider. Sometimes I feel paralyzed, aware that good intentions aren’t nearly enough to bring healing to wounds that are older than the hills. I have fears that whatever I do will be wrong, because I’m throwing my white privilege around and can never hope to fully understand the complex issues that are attached to an old community. So I’m asking — can I be part of the conversation? Can I be part of the healing?

Please, if it’s possible to contact the individuals who gave interviews for this performance and find out if they would like to be part of a community-wide conversation about the issues raised in the performance, I would be thrilled.

Thank you again for the wonderful work you did putting this piece together. You stirred up a lot of questions and ideas, and I hope that something wonderful will come out of this.

Francesca Hyatt works at SEEDS Community Garden and lives in Carrboro.

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