Religious Freedom Mobile Institute:
Oct
27
to Oct 29

Religious Freedom Mobile Institute:

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Join this power-packed virtual event hosted by Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation in partnership with Union Presbyterian Seminary, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Vanderbilt Divinity School, First Amendment Museum, Shoulder to Shoulder, Starr King School for the Ministry, BJC - Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, and The Open Church of MD. Registration will open on 9/15! Stay tuned for more information.

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Community Issues and Solutions
Jan
28
to Jan 29

Community Issues and Solutions

Have you ever wondered who to contact for voting questions or if a certain resource was available in your community? Come join us for casual conversation and a great learning experience! The institute is intended to be start to another conversation to better our communities!

Our goal for the 28-29 January 2022 institute is to create thought and action for addressing some of the common issues found across communities.

  • Host: Daniel Speller - Blogger, Podcaster, Administrative Support Consultant and Veteran

  • Panelists:
    - Dr. Danielle Speller, assistant professor of physics at Johns Hopkins University
    - Dr. Lassiter F. Speller, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Eastern New Mexico University-Portales
    - Dr. DeWayne Williams, Assistant Professor of Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine

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REIMAGINING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: MOVING FROM EDUCATION TO ADVOCACY
Nov
11
to Nov 13

REIMAGINING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: MOVING FROM EDUCATION TO ADVOCACY

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During this program "Reimagining Religious Freedom: Moving from Education to Advocacy," participants will hear from scholars, policy advocates, and community leaders who are making invaluable contributions to these critical discussions. This program is designed to encourage participants to think through practical ways to take action on religious freedom issues in their community and context. Participants will engage in small group discussions, a community talkback session and explore opportunities to mobilize on these advocacy issues together.

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Texas Mobile Institute - The Politics of Food: Health Disparities and the Epidemic of Food Insecurity in Texas
Oct
7
to Oct 8

Texas Mobile Institute - The Politics of Food: Health Disparities and the Epidemic of Food Insecurity in Texas

Food is political. There are policies and systems that govern and decide which communities have access to healthy food and which ones do not. An estimated 4 million Texans, including children, struggle with hunger and food insecurity which leads to health disparities.

With the reality of a still-present pandemic, compounded by financial instability and lack of a livable wage, the number of people – especially Black, Latinx and Indigenous peoples, who are impacted by hunger is alarming. How do we dismantle the barriers that cause food insecurity, food deserts and food apartheid? Leaders in health, policy, academics, grassroots activism, and faith will come together to name the barriers and identify solutions that are working.

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Sep
23
to Sep 24

Gainesville Mobile Institute

Please note that all times are in Eastern Standard Time.

Racism is a public health issue wreaking havoc on minorities. How can we work with our elected officials, non-profit organization leaders, theologians, activists, and community members to eradicate racism and its reciprocal forms? What steps can we take to provide marginalized communities with health equity and access? How do we reconcile communities and actively break down the barriers of race, culture, gender, social class, and ethnicity? What are our elected officials doing to create solidarity in divided communities? How can you get involved?

Join the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative in collaboration with 100 Black Men of Gainesville and Faith Missionary Baptist Church for a Mobile Institute on how we can combat racism and inequality in the Gainesville, Fl community. This event will be broadcast on Vanderbilt Divinity Public Theology and Racial Justice Facebook and hosted in-person at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville, FL.

Issues to be explored will include: school achievement gaps, sustaining a local food community, women’s health equity, governmental race equity initiatives, and immigrant and migrant rights.

Thursday, August 23: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Welcome - Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, Associate Director of the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Vanderbilt University

Interdenominational Prayer - Dr. Shawn Woods

Keynote Introduction - Dr. Carjie Scott, Faculty Operative and Curator, Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Member Vanderbilt University Divinity School

Keynote - Dr. Rik Stevenson, Jr. "SOS Racism is a Public Health Issue Wreaking Havoc on Minorities"

Pastor Introduction - Dr. Carjie Scott, Faculty Operative and Curator, Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Member Vanderbilt University Divinity School

Closing Message - Pastor Kevin Thorpe, Faith Missionary Baptist Church

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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rik Stevenson, Jr.

Dr. Rik Stevenson, Jr. is a historian. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in African American and African Studies. His expertise and research interests are in the Middle Passage, Slave Ship suicide as a form of resistance, and Traditional West and West Central African Cosmology. He has a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theology (M.A.), a Masters of Theology in African American Church History (Th.M.) from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Divinity in African American Church History. He is a former pastor, and he has extensive experience in the areas of cultural competency, diversity training, and inclusion practices. He also teaches courses on race, religion, and rebellion, and African American Religious studies. He is presently a professor of African American Studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He is a certified scuba diver and has done several underwater expeditions, in conjunction with Diving With A Purpose (DWP) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on sunken slave vessels.

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Closing Message: Kevin W. Thorpe

Kevin W. Thorpe is the Senior Pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where he has served since 1998. Pastor Thorpe is a son of the historic Mt. Ararat Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Today he is the Executive producer of the Faith Church television Broadcast and an adjunct professor at Conservative Theological University in Gainesville, FL. Pastor Thorpe holds a BA in Pastoral Ministries from Conservative Theological Seminary and a MA in Pastoral Ministries from Conservative Theological University. Pastor Thorpe is an effective voice beyond the walls of his church and works with civic, educational, and faith-based councils and groups throughout greater Gainesville. Some of those organizations are The Rotary Club of Gainesville, Alachua Habitat for Humanity, Eastside High School Student Advisory Committee, The Corner Drug Store, Alachua County Christian Pastors Association, Santa Fe College East Gainesville Instruction, Gainesville Thrives, Gainesville HIPPY Advisory Committee, Harn Museum, Cade Museum, City of Gainesville Citizen Advisory Committee and has served as a frequent guest chaplain for the University of Florida football team. He is the owner of a custom clothing company and provides customized items for some of the country’s most noteworthy figures. A refreshing voice on the scene of contemporary Christianity, he ministers a clear word to the Body of Christ.

Friday, September 24: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Welcome - Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, Associate Director of thePublic Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Vanderbilt University Divinity School

Panel Moderator Introduction - Dr. Carjie Scott, Faculty Operative and Curator, Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Member Vanderbilt University Divinity School

Gainesville Government Accountability Serve Organize Stand Conversation -

Chanae Jackson, The Accidental Activist

featuring

Anna Prizzia, Alachua County Commissioner

Anna Prizzia is Commissioner for District 3 in Alachua County. She founded and currently oversees the UF/IFAS Field & Fork Program and works as the campus food systems coordinator for the University of Florida. She has two decades of experience in sustainability efforts, including working as statewide coordinator for the Florida Farm to School Program, founding and managing sustainability efforts at UF, and working with several non-profits and community organizations to address education, food access, and economic opportunity. Prizzia was a co-founder and served as the board’s president for Working Food from 2012-2020. Working Food is a non-profit focused on supporting and sustaining local food efforts in North Central Florida. Anna currently serves on the Community Revitalization Board for Habitat for Humanity. She received her B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, and her M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a certificate in Tropical Conservation and Development from the University of Florida. She served in the Peace Corps at Vanuatu from 2004 to 2005. Anna lives in Gainesville, FL, with her husband and daughter and loves live music, water recreation, and cooking with friends and family.

Leah Galione, Gainesville Bridge Literacy Director

After graduating from UF with a degree in Psychology, Leah began serving as the College Outreach Director for the Gainesville Vineyard Church. The Vineyard has a 30-year history in Gainesville and has often been a refuge for those in need of spiritual care. She has served her church as a Sunday School teacher, a small group leader, and a member of the Leadership Team.

In 2018, under the leadership of new lead pastors, Michael and Amy Raburn, the Vineyard sold its building on NW 8th Ave and purchased the old Boys and Girls Club building in Lincoln Estates, an important and historic African American neighborhood in east Gainesville. The church spent a year renovating the building, getting to know the neighborhood and listening closely to discern ways the church could be a good neighbor. The Vineyard established the GNV Bridge as a multi-purpose community center, currently providing a local food pantry and a literacy program.

Leah has been the director and coordinator of the GNV Bridge Literacy Program since its inception. Their mission is to create equity in the public education system by providing consistent one-on-one virtual reading instruction with competent, nurturing volunteer coaches. In just 18 months, the Literacy Program has grown to serve over 50 local children and has recruited and trained over 35 volunteers who meet with students daily over Zoom. The Literacy Program plans to quadruple the number of children served over the next year.

Gail Johnson, Gainesville City Commissioner

Commissioner Gail Johnson is a commissioner in Gainesville, Florida, where she was elected at-large in 2018. She believes her primary role as a policymaker is centering the voices of those most marginalized, and being a catalyst for inclusive decision making. She attended Eastside High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida with a degree in English literature.

Her previous career included founding and publishing an arts and culture magazine in Brooklyn, NY, and working at the feminist publication, BUST magazine. When she moved back to Gainesville, she pursued her love for entertaining and food and started a catering company and a global grab-and-go café at the University of Florida. She is on the board of Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, a member of Local Progress, a founding member of the Local Progress Florida Organizing team, a governor at the Library Governing Board, and a member of the Metropolitan Transportation and Planning Organization. She is the chair of the Race and Equity Subcommittee at the City of Gainesville, and serves on several committees for the National League of Cities, including the Race, Equity and Leadership Council, Women in Municipal Government, and the Black Caucus. She formerly served on the Tourism Development Council and the Alachua County League of Cities.

She is passionate about social justice, food justice, carceral injustice, and reproductive justice. She supports efforts in the city for achieving racial and gender equity, both in city government and the community at large. From insight to implementation and every step in between, Commissioner Johnson thrives in unfamiliar territory with the intention of improving the collective experience.

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Chanae Jackson is a passionate community activist, servant leader, change agent, and entrepreneur. Her ethical standards, collaborative community engagements efforts, and proven track record make her a trusted resource.

Chanae earned the title of The Accidental Activist in 2018 when police officers stopped her 18-year-old son in Alachua County for driving while Black. He was detained without cause. She sounded the injustice alarm, and all charges were dropped. A year following the racial injustice, Chanae mobilized the community and worked to have the previous sheriff (who attempted to bully her) voted out of office. The position is now held by Alachua County’s first Black sheriff, Clovis Watson, a former U.S. Representative. Chanae encourages Black voters to run – not walk– to the polls because voting is the equalizer that grants us all the same level of power.

Since 2018, Chanae has strategically built an activism brand based on accountability, compassion, credibility, empathy, and dependability. She serves her community as a co-founder of the Black Parent Support Network and Gainesville Raise Up. Her mission is to bring awareness to current social issues, address gaps in services, and offer new solutions for the existing social problems.

Racism is a Public Health Issue Wreaking Havoc on Minorities Panel - Chanae Jackson, The Accidental Activist

featuring

Rev. Ron Rawls, Pastor Greater AME Baptist Church

Rev. Ron Rawls is a Pastor, Prophet and Priest sent by God to stand in the gap. He is married to The Honorable Meshon T. Rawls, Alachua County Court Judge. They have three children Ron III(Alana), Kiara(Cody) & Jamahl, and five grandchildren Bella, Naila, Ayani, Seth, and Jai. He is the current Pastor at GGreater Bethel AME Church, Gainesville, FL and has a BA in Religion from the University of Florida. He is a member of the following organizations: East Conference- Statistician, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee and General Conference Delegate, South District- Executive Committee, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and Lake Forest Elementary School Advisory Council.

Robin Lewy, Director of Programming, Rural Women's Health Project

Robin Lewy is Co-Founder and Director of Programming at the Rural Women's Health Project, the only health justice organization in North Florida. Robin has worked for 35 years in social justice, health education and community mobilization in the United States and Central America. In her role she oversees advocacy and direct service programming that serves Latinx communities, immigrants, women living with HIV and rural communities. Robin is a regional trainer on health inequity in rural communities, immigrant rights & integration, and the use of testimonial print media. She coordinates Voces de Inmigrantes en Acción, an initiative designed to promote dynamic communication between providers, service organizations and Latinx communities She serves on the Community Advisory Board of the UF Health Cancer Center and the Cancer Alliance of Marion County. She holds a MA in Social Development and Popular Theatre, University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Veronica Robleto, Immigrant Rights Paralegal

Veronica has been a lifelong advocate for social justice with a strong background in community organizing around issues of social, racial, and economic justice. She grew up in Palm Beach County and earned a B.F.A. from the State University of New York at Purchase. Prior to joining the FLS team, she worked at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law at the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic (IPVAC), and helped create the Immigration Clinic that grew out of IPVAC. While at the clinic, Veronica became a Board of Immigration Appeals Accredited Representative which authorized her to give legal advice as it pertains to immigration law and to represent clients in affirmative immigration matters. At FLS she coordinates the Immigrant Family Safety Project which focuses on preventing family separation and providing direct immigration representation to victims of crime.

Pastor Michael Raburn, PhD, Lead Pastor Gainesville Vineyard

Dr. Michael Raburn joined the Gainesville Vineyard as Lead Pastor for the church in June 2017. Alongside his wife, Amy Raburn, Lead Pastor, they have been leaders in the Vineyard movement since 2003: teaching (adults, youth, and children), preaching, leading small groups, counseling, directing a food pantry, leading an elder board, pastoring, leading worship, weekly podcasting, running a day shelter for those experiencing homelessness, and creating content used by a number of churches. Michael is originally from Plant City, FL and is a Vineyard theologian with a PhD in theological ethics from Duke. He enjoys reading, writing, movies and visiting art museums. His calling in life is to deeply connect others to God. Dr. Raburn is the Executive Director of the GNV Community Center and Board Chair of GRACE Marketplace.

Plenary and Call to Action - Pastor Kevin Thorpe

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Carjie Scott, Ed.D., is the speaker and bestselling author for “You are Accepted: How to Get Accepted into College and Life.” She is known as The Education Equalizer.™ Dr. Scott is committed to equalizing and maximizing educational opportunities for students, particularly Black students. She specializes in streamlining the admissions process, and improving student retention while increasing college graduation rates.

Additionally, Dr. Scott consults with academic institutions to enhance areas of access and inclusion, diversity, equity, and overall student academic experience. She currently serves as the Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Tennessee State University. . Prior to her current role, she served at Vanderbilt University, Cambridge College, Christian Brothers University as well as serval trade schools.

Dr. Scott was a recipient of the Karen Dolan Spirit Award and Communications Committee of the Year Award by the Vanderbilt University Staff Advisory Council. She was named a Nashville Emerging Leader finalist by YP Nashville and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

She has a Bachelors’s in English for Corporate Communications and Management from Christian Brothers University, a Master’s in Management in Leadership from Webster University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Lipscomb University.

Dr. Scott is married to Dr. Kerwin Scott who is a former US Marine and current Periodontist Resident. They are the parents of two future doctors.

Purchase “You Are Accepted,” here.

Dr. Carjie Scott curated this event; to continue the discussion or hire her to curate your event email: hello@educationequalizers.com.

Special thank you to Mr. Art Alston of 100 Black Men of Gainesville for your service, The Henry Luce Foundation for your funding contribution, The Vanderbilt University Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative leaders Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, and Dean Emilie Townes, and Education Equalizers, founded by Dr. Carjie Scott.

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Aug
12
to Aug 13

Kentucky Mobile Institute

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Please note that all times are in Central Time

How can we re-imagine public safety in underserved, minority communities in ways that are life-giving and life-sustaining? How can public safety be ensured without reliance on armed police officers and deadly force? What steps would need to be taken and what sources of public and private funding or investment could be used? 

Issues to be explored could include reforming policing, hiring decisions to achieve diversity and equity and include social workers and experts on trauma care, education and training, changing local and state regulations and statutes, and public safety (schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods). 

Thursday, August 12: 6 – 7:30 PM Keynote Address 

Welcome: Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, Associate Director, Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville 

Moderator: Dr. Lewis Brogdon, Research Professor of Preaching and Black Church Studies, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky 

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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dwayne Mack

Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Carter G. Woodson Chair in African American History; Professor of History, Berea College

Dwayne Mack was born and raised in the Borough of Brooklyn. He graduated from John Dewey High School in 1986. He then went on to earn his BA in American History from Methodist University in 1993 and his MA in the same field in 1996.  In 2002, he completed his Ph.D. in American and Public history at Washington State University.  

Since 2003, Dwayne has taught American and African American history at Berea College. He is a Professor of History and the Carter G. Woodson Chair in African American History while also serving as Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  

Dwayne’s scholarship focuses on the Black experience in the West, and the Black Freedom Struggle in Kentucky and the Deep South. His monograph on Black Spokane explores the intersections of the Cold War and civil rights movement. He has also written about the racial past of Berea College through the institution’s participation in the movement.   

Dwayne Mack has also served as the lead editor of two books on faculty development. These volumes mentor emerging faculty of color from diverse backgrounds and those concerned with diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia. His coedited volume on policing and on Violence Against Black and Brown Bodies is evidence of Dr. Mack’s broad research agenda related to contemporary social justice issues.  

Dwayne and his supportive, loving, strong, patient, and beautiful wife have raised four outstanding children in Madison County, Kentucky. 

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Performing artist: Hannah L Drake

Hannah L Drake is a blogger, activist, public speaker, poet, and author of 11 books. She writes commentary on politics, feminism, and race and her work has been featured online at Cosmopolitan, The Bitter Southerner, The Lily, Harper’s Bazaar and Revolt TV. In 2019 during Super Bowl Sunday,Hannah’s poem, "All You Had To Do Was Play The Game, Boy," which addresses the protest by Colin Kaepernick, was shared by film writer, producer and director Ava DuVernay, and then shared by Kaepernick. The poem has been viewed more than two million times.

Friday, August 13 

Morning Panel: 10 a.m. – noon 

Welcome 

Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, Associate Director, Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville 

Moderator: TBA 

Panelists

Karina Barillas, Executive Director, La Casita Center, Louisville 

Rev. Troy Thomas, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Louisville 2 

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The Reverend Troy I. Thomas serves as the Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville, KY since November 2014. His wife, Reverend Maxine serves along with him as Assistant Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church. In September 2020, Rev. Thomas was additionally appointed as Presiding Elder of the Louisville District and concurrently serves as both Presiding Elder and Pastor.

Reverend Thomas has served in various positions with the AME Church.  Currently, the Treasurer for both the 13th Episcopal District and the Kentucky Annual Conference.  Rev. Thomas is a member of the AME Church General Board, representing the 13th Episcopal District since July 2016. 

Rev. Thomas participates in the community by serving on several community boards and holds memberships in civic organizations as well. An active Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Rev. Thomas currently serves as the Great Lakes Regional Secretary and is the immediate Past Kentucky State Director.  In 2013 he was awarded one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s highest honors as a Kentucky Colonel.

In ministry, Reverend Thomas, along with his wife, Reverend Dr. Maxine shares a Team Ministry to meet the needs of the congregation and the community at large. Together they have shared in Marriage retreats and conferences. Reverend Thomas conducts workshops and seminars on Finance and Tithing, Leadership, Men’s Ministry, and AME Church Administration.

Reverend Thomas exchanged vows in Sept 1988 with his lovely wife, Reverend Dr. Maxine and together they are proud of and blessed with three beautiful daughters, Tricia, Traci, Trina, and two granddaughters, Bella and Jayelle.

Rev. Valerie Mayo, Priest-in-Charge, St. George’s Episcopal Church, Louisville and Urban Partnership Missioner, Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky 

Rev. Stachelle Bussey, Founder and Executive Director, The Hope Buss; Pastor, MVMT Community Fellowship; Member of Louisville Civilian Review Board 

Noon to 1 p.m. Lunch break. 

Friday Afternoon Panel: 1 – 3 PM 

Moderator: TBA 

Panelists

Shameka L. Parrish-Wright, Project Manager, The Bail Project (Louisville); Chair Kentucky Alliance; Mayoral Candidate (Louisville) 

Keisha Dorsey, District 3, Council Member, Louisville Metro Council 

Rev. Dr. Nathl Moore, First African Baptist Church, Lexington 

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Keturah Herron

Policy Strategist, Juvenile Justice, ACLU of Kentucky 

Keturah J. Herron (she/they) is a policy strategist at the ACLU of Kentucky, an activist and social justice advocate with over 15 years of experience working with youth and families involved in social service and the criminal justice systems. Herron was instrumental in leading the charge in Louisville, Kentucky working alongside Metro Council members to institute Breonna’s Law—effectively banning no-knock warrants within the city after the tragic death of Breonna Taylor. As an emerging and courageous thought leader, Herron is dedicated to the liberation of Black people and reimaging what our communities look like for all Black Kentuckians. Herron graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Masters in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies.

Social Media: Twitter – KeturahHerron  | Instagram – kluvinit

Email: keturah@aclu-ky.org

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Apr
22
to Apr 24

Ohio Mobile Institute | We can't breathe: Racism as a moral, spiritual, and public health crisis

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As the trial for the killer of Mr. Geroge Floyd proceeds, it is increasingly apparent that the knee in on the necks of many racialized minorities in America. “We Can’t Breathe: Racism as a Moral, Spiritual, and Public Health Crisis” is the theme for the April 22-24th Ohio Mobile Institute.

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Arkansas Mobile Institute | Activism: Past, Present, and Future
Mar
18
to Mar 19

Arkansas Mobile Institute | Activism: Past, Present, and Future

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Activism serves as the conduit for the many progressive social changes experienced by Arkansans over the decades. From the race massacre over 100 years ago in Elaine Arkansas to the bold efforts of students to integrate schools, activists have been at the forefront of meaningful social change. In this mobile institute we will explore “Activism: Past, Present, and Future” giving a critical eye to the work of activists in the region. Dr. Allan Boesak an activist-scholar instrumental in the South African fight against Apartheid will deliver the keynote address. Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. will address participants on clergy activism. A panel of distinguished local leaders: Rev. Dr. Stacy Spencer, Ms. Ailey Pope, Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and Dr. Earle Fisher will be moderated by Attorney Jonathan Allen.

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Mobile Institute Chicago edition | Necropolitics: What is the Ecclesial Response?
Feb
25
to Feb 26

Mobile Institute Chicago edition | Necropolitics: What is the Ecclesial Response?

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Mass incarceration is an issue for the church. The status of racialized minorities in the criminal justice system is staggeringly disproportionate to that of non-minoritized subjects. Moreover, the root cause points to a debilitating stronghold over the faith community when it comes to its mission and purpose to champion the cause of the vulnerable, fight for the oppressed, and usher in the Justice of God.

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2020 Leadership Academy
Aug
5
to Aug 7

2020 Leadership Academy

August 5-7, 2020 the Vanderbilt Divinity School Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative will wrestle with the theme Medical Apartheid Revisited: Pandemic, Politics, and Priorities in its Leadership Academy. Registration is free and open to the public, and the link to register is below. You may join all or any portion of the virtual conference; however, advance registration is required.

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2019 Summer Institute
May
20
to May 24

2019 Summer Institute

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Racial minorities face erasure through racist policies that target them. Politics run on a single track- a greed that excludes government for and by the people. Privilege gives rise to an uneven distribution of power, which distorts the meaning of justice for many. Should we just sit idly by singing kum bah yah? Or, should we be on the frontlines speaking truth to power? Truth is on trial. Truth deserves credible witnesses to save it from the arsenal of deceit disseminating from all manner of racist governance. Who shall we send? Who will go? This moment calls for bold witnesses. Join us May 20th-24th at Vanderbilt University Divinity School as we wrestle with the prophetic response to racist governance.

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