JAX Chamber: 904WARD Launches Race Card App

Jacksonville FL

29 July, 2021

12:59 PM

Description

Press release from the JAX Chamber: July 28, 2021 "People enter spaces where we talk about race, equity and systemic racism with apprehension, anxiety and even fear. Yet these discussions must occur if we want our communities to become more inclusive and equitable. The Race Cards are a tool that helps community members enter difficult and often emotional discussions about racism. These cards are a vessel to connect people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds in thought-provoking, action-causing conversations with family, friends and co-workers," explains Dr. Kimberly Allen, Chief Executive Officer of 904WARD. The digital deck of Race Cards is completely identical to the original deck. "The Race Cards app is as special as the original deck but now, users have access to the cards at their fingertips," added Dr. Allen. "Often, our audience will request a deck of Race Cards and we must arrange a delivery or mail them. Now there is no wait and users can take advantage of the cards immediately. The Race Card app is integrated with Facebook and Twitter, so that audiences can continue the conversation outside of the application." "Our goal from the beginning was to make Jacksonville a more equitable and inclusive community, but the issues of racism and inequality affect all communities. We want to enable people across the country and even around the world to create change where they live," explained Sunny Gettinger, one of the founders of 904WARD. "The digital deck will allow us to curate different versions of the cards that address the unique needs of a variety of people across the world. Additionally, because it's much easier to make changes in an app than in printed decks, we'll be able to create custom versions, tailored to different industries, groups and locations, such as a law enforcement edition, a student edition or a corporate edition." "We are incredibly excited for the launch of the Race Cards application. This application expands the reach of the engagement of honest conversations and sensitive subjects with more people in our community and beyond by having this innovative and interactive tool right at users' fingertips," praised Ashely Pratt, Director of Community Engagement at Mayo Clinic in Florida. "Mayo Clinic provided 904WARD with a $6,500 grant through our EverybodyIN Fund for Change Grants Program to launch the Race Cards application because Mayo Clinic is committed to ending racism and we believe in the mission and vision of 904WARD. We understand the only way to make Jacksonville and communities all over the world a better place to live for all races is to first talk about the issues and bring different perspectives into the conversations." The Race Card application is free and available on Apple Store and Google Play. About 904WARD 904WARD creates racial healing and equity through deep conversations and learning, trusting relationships, and collective action. Our vision is an end to racism in Jacksonville so all people thrive. To learn more and sign up to get involved, visit 904ward.org. Media Contacts Point Taken Communications [email protected] 904.485.6597 Point Taken Communications [email protected] 910.527.4449 This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author's own.