Suburbanites gather to talk about racial divide in U.S.

About 30 people gathered at an Arlington Heights church Friday morning to discuss the racial divide in the U.S. and preconceptions they have about racism.

The discussion at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church was led by the Rev. Clyde H. Brooks, chairman of the Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations. The event was aimed at suburban community leaders, clergy and residents.

The attendees were mostly white suburban residents, although people with other racial backgrounds participated. They talked about the fears of racism some black people live with in America, flaws in the legal system and how white privilege has given many of them advantages over black Americans, among other related topics.

Arlington Heights resident Colleen Kave told a story about the white supremacist who once lived in her neighborhood. She said she was shocked by his "frightening, irrational hatred" - but that a black neighbor was more used to that type of behavior.

Kave admitted being oblivious to that kind of racism "until it moved in across the street."

Brooks said he isn't concerned about "personal racism." Rather, it's institutional racism that worries him.

"How the police function," he said. "How the schools function."

Kave said she hopes the participants in Friday's discussion turn the conversation into action and ensure the Northwest suburbs are welcoming and inclusive communities.

Additional discussions about the black-and-white divide are planned in the North and Northwest suburbs.