CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Latin American Coalition has started hosting virtual conversations about racism following the killing of George Floyd.

“The violence that was witnessed, it’s something that has touched everybody,” Latin American Coalition Executive Director Jose Hernandez-Paris says.

The first Facebook talk, which was in Spanish, took place last week. It allowed followers to share their thoughts about the subject and ask panelists questions.

Hernandez-Paris said it was important to have these virtual panel discussions.

“When there’s a conversation that is difficult to have. It’s probably a conversation that is worth having,” Hernandez-Paris said.

The conversations aim to teach immigrants about the history of struggles and inequality of the African-American community in the United States.

Parents Together Deputy Director Ailen Arreaza, who is Black Cuban American, was one of the panelists.

“They have no context what has happened to Black people in this country. Part of it is we are immigrants so we don’t have that history,” Arreaza said.

Latinos may also be more familiar with the concept of "classism" or discrimination based on socioeconomic status because it’s more common in Latin America.

“I wanted to point out, Latin America also has a long history of racism that classism and racism are very intertwined,” Arreaza said.

Arreaza said one of the most memorable moments of the conversation included panelists sharing examples of comments that should not be tolerated.

“The other thing that happened in the conversation that I thought it was really powerful was Federico’s stories about just the blatant anti-blackness that happens in our families. ‘You should marry someone lighter to improve the race, to better the race,’” Arreaza said, as an example.

Hernandez-Paris also said it was important to let the immigrant community know the hurt these types of statements can cause.

“Most of us have heard it and in Latin America, people have used it without hesitation and may be not understanding the degradation that is for other human beings. Raising awareness and saying ‘Why have we heard that term and why have we not stood up in the past?'” Hernandez-Paris said.

Arreaza added anti-blackness hurts everyone.

“I think taking away one group’s dignity takes away everybody’s dignity,” Arreaza said.

Both Arreaza and Hernandez-Paris hope these conversations can help end racism.

“Move the pendulum toward action. Help people understand that this matters and it affects all of us,” Hernandez-Paris said.

On Wednesday, the Latin American Coalition will have another virtual conversation. This time, it will focus on the relationship between the Latin American and Africa-American communities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on their Facebook page.

The City of Charlotte, Comunidad Colectiva, Queen City Unity, Action NC, Crossways Consulting and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce are helping facilitate the conversations.