Staten Island takes a lesson from Charlottesville to help end racism and violence in the borough.

Dozens attended the 14th annual Anti-Bias/Anti-Violence Summit at Port Richmond High School Sunday.

Faith leaders from Charlottesville discussed the violence that erupted in the city in August and how to prevent something like that from happening in the borough.

Participants hope that having these discussions will bridge the political, racial and ethnic divisions many say are felt among residents.

"If we don't talk to each other we'll never know what's going on in our heads,” said panelist Diane Hillman. “And we also won't forge bonds with each other and develop relationships that are so important."

The event also held an anti-racism training and a dramatic reading called "Hercules in Staten Island," a play about violence.