Coffee With a Black Guy Creates Awareness About Cross-Cultural Differences at Impact Hub Santa Barbara, September 7

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Sept. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Race. Racism. Racist. There has been a lot of talk about this issue in the media recently, including the rhetoric and the valid points peppered with both pain and ignorance.

Santa Barbara resident and Maryland-native, James Joyce III has taken a stand to raise awareness on these festering issues. He has done so by creating an opportunity to engage in authentic dialogue during Coffee with a Black Guy – an interactive experience where the often delicate topics can be discussed in candid cross-cultural conversation.

On Saturday, September 7th, 2019, Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA), Santa Barbara City College Foundation, and Lois & Walter Capps Project present, Coffee with a Black Guy at the Impact Hub, 1117 State Street, Santa Barbara. This is an opportunity for members of our community to come share stories, have conversations, impart perspective and provide a genuine opportunity to listen and learn from fellow citizens of the world during this facilitated discussion. Joyce has extended himself as a servant of all, to come have Coffee with a Black Guy. The goal is simply – Coffee. Connection. Conversation.

"The rhetoric around race issues in today's charged social and political climate are too often based in fear and ignorance. We have few opportunities to break the interpersonal divide that only furthers that ignorance. Coffee with a Black Guy is just an opportunity for honest and open dialogue, because to change things we need to talk through these tough issues, but from a place of love towards a greater understanding," Joyce said.

Joyce began convening these community conversations in July 2016 and has held them at various places throughout the Santa Barbara community and since has engaged with hundreds on a diverse array of issues, but from the perspective of a black man. To help allow space for these often uncomfortable conversations, Joyce encourages attendees to: be respectful, be genuine, be willing to listen, be willing to feel something, and do not seek to dominate with your story.

This event is presented by Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA) in collaboration with the Santa Barbara City College Foundation and Lois & Walter Capps Project.

This event is free and open to the community. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.

Coffee with a Black Guy Event
Date: Saturday, September 7th, 2019
Location: 1117 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
To RSVP: alumnirelations(at)pacifica.edu or (805) 879 – 7385

Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA)
The Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (the "Association" or "PGIAA") is a California 501(c) Nonprofit Corporation for the purposes of developing an operational and charitable membership association that supports both the alumni ("Alumni" or "alums") of Pacifica Graduate Institute (the "Institute" or "PGI") and the wider the community in pursuit of developing their intellectual, spiritual, altruistic and professional abilities.

Santa Barbara City College Foundation
The SBCC Foundation provides Santa Barbara City College with philanthropic support, serving as the vehicle through which individuals and organizations may invest in the college. The mission of the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College is to develop philanthropic support to assist the College in providing accessible educational programs that assure academic and vocational excellence for the students of Santa Barbara City College, and that enrich the cultural, economic and civic life of the South Coast community.

Lois & Walter Capps Project
The Lois & Walter Capps Project is a legacy of two individuals whose shared dedication to the advancement of a humane and enlightened society, the enrichment of civic culture, and service to community spans more than five decades. For them it is essential in giving voice to those in society's margins, and critical in developing a culture of belonging, participation, and collaboration. Their programs and events serve as seedbeds for cultivating, demonstrating, and celebrating our fundamental connectedness.

SOURCE Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association (PGIAA)