On Friday September 26, 2008, members of the CALM Society had a treat in the form of Beverly Tatum, Author of “ Why are all the black kids sitting together in the Cafeteria and other courageous conversations about race” who visited the Abington Friends School for a lecture that was opened to the public.

Ms Tatum, who is the current President of Spelman College, spoke to an auditorium filled with Teachers, Administrators, students and Parents who sat in rapt attention as she eloquently expounded on Race in America and how it affects us all.

After discussing with many in the audience regarding their first experience with race, Ms Tatum encouraged us to listen closely to what our children were saying or not saying for that matter because in her conversations earlier that day, the children spoke of what they had been experiencing and what avenues they used as coping mechanisms as it applies to being a minority.

Although the lecture was a serious topic, Ms Tatum kept the conversation lighthearted, sprinkled with funny stories of her own children and asked many questions of us in order  to show that how we deal with things affect us for years to come.  Administrators were asked to be mindful of stereotyping children of color and to destigmatize some long held preconceptions of them.

This night was especially touching for Calm’s Founder Andrea Trainer who read Ms Tatum’s book years ago as a part of Leadership Training where she was a participant.  The effects of the book propelled Mrs. Trainer into becoming an Advocate and Facilitator with all Parents and children in several School Districts.

Armed with copies of the book, members Robyn Tucker, Nicole Wylie, Cakky Evans and Andrea Trainer were able to personally meet Ms Tatum, have their books autographed and pictures taken.  It was a memorable evening, one the members of CALM would not soon forget and left them with the knowledge and courage to carry on the work in keeping with the mission of the organization.