‘Heal the Hate’ founder gives luncheon speech on diversity
By Joi Harris
Staff Reporter

Changing the world is possible — but only if people begin with changing themselves, said diversity luncheon speaker Regina Nicholson Thursday.

In a speech titled “Heal the Hate: A Journey Toward Peace,” Nicholson said her interest in social justice grew as she got older. “We first need to start with ourselves and acknowledge our prejudices and our biases and our fears and ask ourselves where they came from and decide whether we want to continue this process or not,” she said.

Nicholson, the founder and director of Heal the Hate, a non-profit organization, is the second speaker in a series of year-long lunch forums sponsored by the Chancellor’s Council on Diversity.Although Nicholson is the year-old organization’s sole member, she holds meetings once a month in Dallas that deal with various diversit topics to promote the understanding and acceptance of all individuals despite differences.

The idea of Heal the Hate, she said, was derived from childhood experiences and effects of racism and bias experienced by her family and friends. An African-American from Champagne, Ill., she said she grew up worrying if stereotypes of blacks as lazy and stupid affected her relationships with friends.

Erin Clark, a sophomore broadcast journalism and sociology major, said it was refreshing to hear someone speak about diversity in way she could easily understand.

Clark is a member of the National Conference for Community and Justice, which she said strives to “open minds” on issues including discrimination and bigotry. She said she has had trouble trying to find groups on campus that deal with diversity and inclusiveness.
Nicholson said her work is more of a passion than a job.

“I’m one person, but at least I can do something,” Nicholson said. “All of us can make a difference in some way whether it’s small or large. I’m just trying to do my part.”
According to the council’s Web site on the TCU home page, the lunch forums will examine the nature of being a citizen in the global community.

“The forums provide us the opportunity to hear about some things that we might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear about,” said Cornell Thomas, special assistant to the chancellor for diversity and community.

Nicholson said the next Heal the Hate meeting will be Nov. 4 at Town North YMCA in Dallas and will focus on gender bias and discrimination. For more information about attending a meeting, call (972) 258- 5279.

Joi Harris