The Evolution of Better Together 4NC

From Jim Ward:

“My Better Together goal is to decrease the distance physically and socially  between cultures. When people live on the opposite side of the river and don't have a bridge, they start thinking unkindly about each other.  Those thoughts often become negative stereotypes that last. I want BT to be a bridge between our two cultures.  I know that we are a small bridge  but for each of us who have participated the result has been significant.”

BT4NC began as a small, interracial gathering of individuals from diverse walks of life, brought together by our visionary co-founders—Melvin Lee, a Black man, and Jim Ward, a white man—who recognized the urgent need for honest dialogue about race and racism. What started as a space for sharing personal stories quickly became a foundation for deep, transformative learning.

In one of our earliest meetings, we watched Jane Elliott’s Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes exercise—a powerful demonstration of racial bias—and discussed its emotional and psychological impact. Later, we examined a list of white privileges, an eye-opening moment for many white participants. These conversations illuminated how differently race shaped each of our lives. As the group evolved, education became central to our mission. We read books on redlining, systemic racism in schools, law enforcement, housing, and even the church. Jim Ward reminded us that our goal was to build trust and connection—to become comfortable with one another at every level. He and Melvin emphasized visibility and unity, encouraging us to be seen together, enjoying each other’s company and modeling a different way forward.

What began as a grassroots circle has since grown into a network of nearly 200 members. We now host monthly speaker events featuring voices from varied racial and professional backgrounds, and we continue to hold an annual open discussion forum and two potluck gatherings. Our mission has sharpened: we focus on educating white individuals about the history, truths, and realities that have long been hidden or ignored.

BT4NC centers every meeting around one core truth: systemic racism—past and present—has harmed us all. Alongside education, we uplift Black culture and celebrate Black excellence. We amplify Black-owned businesses and restaurants, inform our community about voting rights and legislative changes, and raise awareness of the racism that still exists in our neighborhoods.

This is who we are today—and still, we know there is more to do.

Looking ahead, we envision expanding our impact through community service and deepening our commitment to fundraising. Most importantly, we aim to reach even more white individuals and congregations, fostering critical conversations that challenge narratives and change hearts. Partnering with like-minded organizations can strengthen this work. Together, we can continue to expose truth, build solidarity, and move toward justice.