"The 19th of June" poem by Drew Jackson:
Instagram reel - Instagram account
Facebook video - Facebook account
Sundown town history
The O'Jays - Love Train (Official Soul Train Video)
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An appropriate topic to discuss on June 19, now honored in our country as Juneteenth, is race relations. This day commemorates the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865.
Join us as we welcome back Rev. Brenda Smith and Deacon Tammy Devine to talk about race relations. In previous sessions, they have shared presentations on Division, Civility, and Compassion and The Power of Lament. We will be focusing on personal perspectives related to what has been accomplished in the area of race relations since the death of George Floyd, as well as our hopes for change in the future. Our time together will include part of the 2024 commencement address at Brandeis University offered by historian Ken Burns. He shares profound insights about life and humanity that challenge us to examine how we treat “the other.” One phrase he shared that Deacon Devine and Rev. Smith found enlightening was “Kinship of the Soul.”
Prior to her retirement, Rev. Brenda Smith was a pediatric nurse; an Associate Professor of Nursing at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio; a parish pastor at New Hope Lutheran Church in Jamaica, New York; and Program Director for Faith Practices and the Book of Faith at the ELCA Churchwide Office. She considers herself “somewhat retired” as she continues to offer ministry in different areas.
Deacon Tammy Devine is passionate about journeying with God’s people. Devine collaborates with thought leaders to facilitate personal and communal growth toward living and leading well through coaching. Devine is credentialed as a PCC Coach; is Certified as an End of Life Coach, Positive Intelligence Coach, and Boundless Compassion Facilitator; serves the ELCA as Coordinator of Coaching for Generosity Ministries; is the Principal for Devine Coaching; and coaches with Clergy Life Coaching and Life of Faith Initiative. Devine is the facilitator of ELCA Segment 2 Stewardship and Discipleship coaching.
