In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many Arabs, South Asians and Muslims became the focus of angry reactions to the attacks, as well as fears and suspicions due to their perceived, shared identities with the terrorists. In subsequent years, the strength of this reaction has moderated but not disappeared. Over the course of 18 months, the New York City Common Ground project will focus on affected middle- and high-school students, families and adults, exploring the meaning and need for racial healing after the 9/11 attacks.
Activities will include: dialogues, storytelling and documentation of local racial history; outreach and community building for information sharing, awareness and support; community art projects and exhibitions that explore mutual experiences to highlight what has and can provide opportunities for healing; and facilitation skill building for adult family members and teenagers.