“The Beauty in the World Lies in the Diversity of its People.”
We Gather, Seeking Diversity and Mutual Respect
Interracial Conversations of the Northern Neck is an interfaith group from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds working together to understand our community's racial and cultural dynamics through honest and informed communication and purposeful actions to promote equality and opportunity for all residents. We recognize that unity of purpose can only be achieved in an environment where diversity is welcomed and everyone is respected.
We understand that action is the key to progress. Gaining a better understanding of our fellow human beings and the world can be an empowering catalyst that propels us in the right direction. Love is not just a feeling; it's a verb, and we are ready to take action to uplift those who have been marginalized within our community.
A Promise of Free and Open Dialogue
It is universally acknowledged that communication is vital to building strong relationships and is the foundation for successful interracial discussions. Our participants engage in free and open exchanges of ideas to build an understanding of the racial and cultural dynamic of our community, state, and nation.
The topics we delve into are not easy. Still, they are crucial, timely, and often deeply rooted in the systemic racism that has divided our nation for centuries. In a welcoming atmosphere of openness—driven by each participant's thirst for knowledge and desire to better understand another's perspective—these topics are thoroughly explored, leading to a deeper understanding and the potential for transformative solutions.
Our Goal: Unity of Purpose
At Interracial Conversations of the Northern Neck, we believe that understanding is the key to unity. We recognize that 'perception is reality,' but we also understand that personal experiences can color our perceptions. Through open dialogue and fellowship, we aim to explore these perceptions and strive for a clearer truth. Our ultimate goal is to achieve unity of purpose.
All are welcome to join the conversations. If you want to make a difference in our community and be a part of the solution to overcome inequality, join us and Interracial Conversations of the Northern Neck to significantly impact positive change in race relationships in the Northern Neck.
Upcoming Events
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Northern Neck Hidden History Trail's Alva Jackson interviewed on Bay-FM about Elizabeth Key historical marker dedication
IRC member Dennis Dalpino has posted Alva's interview on Interracial Conversations' YouTube channel. Here is the link:
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"Microaggressions: Naming What We Hear"
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
You are cordially invited to join us on Tuesday, October 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Mount Olive Baptist Church for an interactive discussion focused on learning about and developing personal response strategies to “microaggression.”
Many of us who participate in Interracial Conversations witnessed Jim Crow first-hand. Racism was legal and was expressed in slurs, segregation, and intimidation. Though it is now illegal, that does not mean it has gone away. Rather, we are living in a time when racism is simply quieter, easier to deny, and built into systems. It shows up most readily as a verbal slight called a "microaggression."
At Interracial Conversations' October 27 meeting, longtime IRC participants Vashti Jones and Tom Coye will lead the discussion that will help us identify several microaggressions and learn the coded language in which they are embedded.
Our time together will help everyone to:Define a racial microaggression and name its three common forms.
Explain how coded language links everyday remarks to larger systemic patterns.
Use at least one response strategy as a target, a bystander, and as the person who caused harm.
Name one concrete action to take in the next 30 days.
Please join us on Tuesday, October 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church (6749 Jessie duPont Highway, Burgess)."Regulars" and new participants: all are welcome!