IV. Conclusion: Challenges for regional NGOs

The Center for Democratic Renewal is planning to form a coalition of southern NGOs to monitor compliance with CERD. A steering committee has been set up with 40 member organizations. These groups represent all 11 southern states and are working to eliminate racism and discrimination through monitoring, research, lobbying, lawsuits, grassroots organizing and community development and empowerment projects. Many of these organizations date back to the civil rights movement and have been working for decades to eliminate the roots of racism.

With globalization, we have been pitted against each other in a race to the bottom. But we have the power to redefine this term. One of our coalitions goals is to connect to the international NGO community, globalize our experiences and triumphs, and learn from the struggles of the poor and people of color everywhere. One day, in both North and South, and in the South within the North, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, we all shall overcome.

"Ibid.

"Ibid, pg. 103.