MACON, Ga. — Mercer University’s Beloved Community Initiative will hold its 21st annual Building the Beloved Community Symposium on faith and racial justice on Oct. 20 and 21, featuring a full slate of free events and meals that are open to the public.
This year, Macon will welcome Josh Clemons and Dan Crain from Atlanta’s OneRace Movement as keynote speakers. OneRace Movement is a gospel-centered reconciliation organization that aims to displace historic racism through “prayer, relationships, equipping, mercy and justice”.
“We’re excited to welcome Josh Clemons and Dan Crain. Their work with Atlanta’s OneRace movement has mobilized thousands of people and brought together churches across lines of color, class and culture,” said Matt Harper, Ph.D., co-convener of the Beloved Community Initiative and professor of history and African and African American studies. “I think they have a lot to teach us about how to move from talking about racial reconciliation to the on-the-ground work of building whole and just communities.”
The event is part of the Countdown to 19 series of events leading up to the inauguration of University President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. Elkins will open this year’s symposium.
“I think it’s fitting that President Elkins will open the symposium this year,” said Harper. “The University’s mission includes inspiring people to ‘serve the needs of humankind as an expression of their love for God and neighbor.’ In our polarized and often unkind public spaces, it’s more important than ever that Mercer curates space for love of God and neighbor.”
All talks are free and open to the public without the need to register, but to make a reservation for any meal, please sign up here by Oct. 16.
Symposium Schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 20
6 p.m. — Banquet, keynote and discussion (RSVP required for meal)
Presidents Dining Room in the University Center, Mercer University, Macon
Wednesday, Oct. 21
8:30 a.m. — Prayer breakfast (RSVP required for meal)
Fellowship Hall of Centenary Church, 1185 Ash St., Macon
10:10 a.m. — Keynote and discussion
Mercer Innovation Center, Mercer University campus
11:15 a.m. — Workshop/panel
Mercer Innovation Center, Mercer University campus
12:15 p.m. — Lunch (RSVP required for meal)
Mercer Innovation Center, Mercer University campus
For more information on the history of the Building the Beloved Community Symposium, click here.
