Today marks 50 years since the civil rights icon, Martin Luther King, Jr., was killed.
Using Reconciliation to Heal Wounds
To commemorate Martin Luther KingJr. Day, Gilley’s, a venue in Dallas, Texas, is hosting “Course Correction Conversation”. The event was conceived to help people make sense of division, violence, race, and conversation in Trump’s America.
Course Correction Conversation, hosted by the Urban Specialists, a nonprofit organization that works to transform urban culture through eliminating violence, will highlight how civil discourse can unite violence victims, public figures, lawmakers, and the community.
The event will feature a conversation and “reconciliation” between Andricka Williams, the mother of Alton Sterling, a victim of police violence in 2016, and Tonja Garafola, widow of Brad Garafola, and Trenisha Jackson, widow of Montrell Jackson. Both men were police officers who were killed in the violence that followed Sterling’s death, reports Urban Specialists.
A guided conversation
Pastor Omar Jahwar, former gang leader of the Bloods and leader of Urban Specialists, will guide the conversation. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will also participate. Other event guests include Deion Sanders, former NFL Hall of Fame, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.).
“In the last 20 years of work negotiating peace with gangs, comforting victims of violence, and mediating conflict between law enforcement and the community, I have witnessed that dialogue creates shared values,” says Jahwar.
“In an effort to combat the toxicity of anger and blame, we begin conversations to promote the unifying idea of citizenship.”
Jahwar adds that citizenship invokes responsibility and this process of transformation maintains civility. Citizenship does not feed into irrational ideas or prey upon exposed vulnerabilities. However, citizenship does protect the vulnerable; it strengthens character. “Through this process, we can restore the belief that peace, in the midst of extreme circumstances, is possible.”
Event details
If you live in the Dallas area, you can attend the event. Gilley’s is located at 1135 South Lamar Street, Dallas, TX. Doors open at 5 p.m. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. The event is free.
Related on EcoSalon
American Ad Agencies Need to Embrace Diversity
20 Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes that Celebrate Equality
Yes, White Privilege is Real and We Need to Talk About It