By John Lussier
New WineSkins,
Oregon Blog
Warner Pacific College and The Portland NAACP with The Portland YWCA, Impact NW, and A Common Table present RACE, FAITH, AND JUSTICE IN THE AGE OF FERGUSON AND BALTIMORE
Race, Faith, and Justice will take place at Warner Pacific College 2219 SE 68th Ave, Portland, OR 97215in McGuire Auditorium on Monday, June 29th at 7pm to 9pm. Featuring keynote speaker Rev. Sekou (activist, public theologian, author from Ferguson) and a panel discussion from:
- Rev. Sekou (Fellowship of Reconciliation and Scholar in Residence at the Martin Luther King Papers Project at Stanford University
- Dr. Daymond Glenn (Warner Pacific College)
- JoAnn Hardesty (Portland NAACP)
- Eric Knox (Imago Dei Community)
This free event, held at Warner Pacific College, will bring Rev. Osagyefo Sekou to speak about his experiences in Ferguson and Baltimore. Rev. Sekou was arrested multiple times, supported the activists on the front lines of protest and speaks about the new identity of protestors. He sees a new class of young people rising up to change systems and challenges us to follow these new, young, black, LGBTQ, and mostly female leaders.
After Rev. Sekou inspires and challenges our ideas on Ferguson and the role of people of faith, our panel will provide practical and Portland specific feedback. Exploring ideas such as:
- The role of people of faith in the Black Lives Matter movement
- How people of faith have been a support and how they have failed
- How people of faith can participate in issues/projects in Portland
- How young people can connect their faith and civic connection
- The place of people of color in American Christianity
- And more.
Local organizations, such as the YWCA, Impact NW, and others will promote their programs and attendees will have a chance to ask questions and connect further.
Unique Aspects:
The dialogue of faith in connection with racism and protest is a needed and little had discussion. Many local churches are supporting this event. Imago Dei Community is a large Evangelical church and has recently embraced dialogue around these issues. Eric Know will help draw attention to ways this has been done.
Warner Pacific is a private Christian college. Their partnering with the NAACP and dialogue around this issue shows great leadership and willingness to address the tough issues of today. Dr. Glenn will spotlight their work to expand the presence of students of color and engaging diversity in the education system.
The Luis Palau Association is a largely Evangelical organization but has shown willingness to engage civic participation. With the Season of Service program and now this, Christians are finding new ways to engage social justice issues.
Rev. Sekou provides real, honest, and deep perspectives from the front lines of protest. His time following the lead, as a pastor, of young, LGBTQ, black women is a unique and little heard story.
Participants are available for interviews before the event by contacting Jake Dockter (503 954 8566 –[email protected])
Rev. Sekou is travelling and busy so advanced notice is required.
More info on the participants:
- Rev. Sekou – https://www.democracynow.org/2014/8/19/pastor_in_ferguson_police_crackdown_i
– https://www.apbspeakers.com/speaker/osagyefo-uhuru-sekou
– https://america.aljazeera.com/profiles/s/osagyefo-uhuru-sekou.html - Eric Knox
– https://www.imagodeicommunity.com/profile/eric-knox/ - JoAnn Hardesty
– https://www.consulthardesty.com/about-2/jah
– https://www.theskanner.com/news/northwest/22318-new-president-joann-hardesty-on-civil-rights-now - Dr. Daymond Glenn
– https://www.warnerpacific.edu/directory/glenn-daymond/
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