In light of current racial events taking place around the country, I would like to applaud the efforts of two East Lyme events intent on creating a compelling and potentially healing conversation about race relations in our town and surrounding towns. On July 29 East Lyme resident Eva Menon arranged to have an interracial dialogue led by Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery. It was very thought provoking and inspiring. In the article “In discussing race, East Lyme community urged to find its ‘shared humanity’” (July 29), Kimberly Drelich quoted Dr. Curry Avery as saying that "to bring change in this country, the first thing that needs to happen is for people to recognize that they are all connected."

On July 31 I attended the East Lyme Regional Theater’s outstanding production of “Hairspray."

In director Erin Sousa-Stanley’s opening program comments she shares that “in a short period of time, this multiracial cast has embraced this story and has truly become a family. By seeing each other as individuals and celebrating each other’s differences, they have made our Community a better place."

The rap artist 50 Cent once wrote, "Walk a day in my feet and know why I do dirt in the street."

Conversations, poetry and music can change the world — Bravo!

Nancy Rigdon

Niantic