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WHO WE ARE
Community Cousins was founded in the aftermath of the riots that erupted in Los Angeles following the Rodney King verdict. The goal of the program is to offer an easy, comfortable opportunity for people of all races to get to KNOW and CARE about each other. The most compelling testimony to the effectiveness of this program is the responses of the families who have participated. Here’s what some of the Cousins have to say:
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“Every year
around Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month people wring their
hands and talk about improving race relations. But Community Cousins offers
every person an opportunity to do something about improving understanding
between people of different races every day of the year. It's meant a lot
to our family.... we've made so many wonderful friends. I'm so tired of
people talking about things once a year and I’m happy that my family has
gotten involved so we can actually do something constructive."
- Katie |
- Napoleon
“Community
Cousins has provided a fantastic opportunity for my entire family. We have
made real friends who feel like real cousins and who share a commitment
to get past racial stereotypes and promote friendship that is more than
skin deep.”
- Kim
“Having an adopted daughter with a different ethnic background than ours could have been much tougher to deal with without Community Cousins. Community Cousins has been a powerful catalyst in seeing the sameness in us all rather than the differences. We feel lucky to have met so many wonderful families who embrace the concept of oneness and cherish and value each other. Eliminating racial barriers by coming together as Cousins couldn’t be more fun and positive. We love it.”- Paula
“Community
Cousins’ work among families to create opportunities for people to acquire
understanding about each other is perhaps the most important grass roots
movement in the country. We must do something to help each other overcome
our fears of each other. I know that racism comes in many forms - you’ve
inspired me to keep going and keep hoping that someday people will stop
hating each other because of racial differences.”
- Sylvia
“One can
always learn about cultures by attending concerts and performances, but
Community Cousins is deeper than that. Friends are made and experiences
shared. As we see familiar faces on a regular basis, and gradually get
to know each other, a subtle bond is created.”
- Linda
“My family
and I have been active members of Community Cousins since 1995. It has
been, without exception, one of the most positive experiences we have had.
Although we are all very busy with our daily routines, we always look forward
with pleasure to the times we can get together with our Cousins for fun.
We have shared birthdays, anniversaries, dinners, concerts and beach parties.
Through Community Cousins, I have met many wonderful people and established
relationships that go far beyond casual contact. In fact, the family we’re
been paired with can often be found at my house on holidays or my family
at theirs. We really enjoy our get-togethers and look forward to seeing
each other. I highly endorse the concept of Community Cousins and would
be very pleased to see this very positive and worthwhile program expanded
throughout the nation.”
