Editor,

In recent years, Prince Edward County has pursued reconciliatory efforts for the social and educational disparities caused by the county’s decision to defund public schools from 1959 to 1964. However, community members can also bring about true healing and reconciliation, not just governing agencies.

The Robert Russa Moton Museum facilitates communal healing on a personal and public level by hosting events such as the free Community Prayer Breakfast, held on the first Tuesday of each month. The Prayer Breakfast promotes social unity in meaningful ways. By meeting and conversing with townsfolk and county residents from all backgrounds, we gain valuable insights into our community.

As we eat with individuals both present and absent during the closings, we discover new lenses through which to view the world. By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective, we construct an empathetic understanding of their viewpoints and experiences.

Empathy and understanding cultivate social cohesiveness in our community by building bridges across social and racial gaps that still separate us. After all, it’s hard to sow division while sharing sweet, sweet bacon!

The next Prayer Breakfast is Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 a.m. A prayer written by Longwood University students will be given before the meal.

For more information visit the Moton Museum Facebook page or our Instagram @princeedwardhistory.

Derek Holmberg

Farmville