A week ago, Stacie Schmidt and about 500 others from the United States and beyond joined a digital Zoom meeting organized by the Wichita-based Kansas Leadership Center on systemic racism.

“What are you going to do?” participants were asked.

For Schmidt, the answer was simple.

“What I’m going to do is have a local conversation,” she said Monday.

That on-line conversation will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16. Registration is available on Schmidt’s Facebook page.

Schmidt, an Ellsworth resident and executive director of Ellsworth County Economic Development, will facilitate what she is calling the “Courageous Conversations.”

Schmidt plans to open the session with questions and from there, “It’s really up to the group where the conversation goes,” she said.

Systemic racism (also known as institutional racism) is a form of racism expressed in the practice of social and political institutions. It is reflected in disparities regarding wealth, income, criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power and education, among other factors.

Protests have rocked cities across the country in recent weeks as thousands have taken to the streets to march against all forms of injustice.

Salina has seen gatherings. So have Topeka, Kansas City, Wichita and Marysville.

Schmidt said she feels “compelled to bring this issue forward” locally.

The on-line conversation is organized by Leadership Ellsworth County, which continues to have regular conversations about issues affecting society. The June discussion is a continuation of those sessions, except the public is invited to participate.

Leadership Ellsworth County has about 40 members, 25 of whom are active.

Schmidt said she is not sure how many will accept her invitation to participate. About 25 had expressed interest on her Facebook page within a day of the event being posted.