"Faith Journeys In The Black Experience: 1619-2019" To Examine Context Of 1619 Virginia And The Evolution Of Religion And A Culturally Diverse United States
American Evolution, the Virginia Council of Churches and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University will convene nationally-renowned scholars in Richmond, Virginia to explore 400 years of religion and race in America
RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 20-21, 2019, Virginia's 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution™, the Virginia Council of Churches and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University (VUU) will convene a scholarly conference, Faith Journeys in the Black Experience: 1619-2019, at VUU's Living and Learning Center to explore the religious context of Virginia in 1619, its impact on African Americans, and the evolution of a religious and culturally diverse United States in the 21st century. The free event will also highlight the influence and importance of spiritual music on the Black experience.
Faith Journeys in the Black Experience will feature renowned theological scholars and historians from across the United States who will present papers that will be edited and published in early 2020. These distinguished speakers include Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04); Lauranett Lee, Ph.D. Visiting Lecturer, University of Richmond; William H. Brackney, Ph.D., Pioneer MacDonald Professor of Baptist Theology & Ethics at Carey Theological College; Dianne M. Stewart, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Emory University; Rev. Benjamin P. Campbell, Ph.D., Pastoral Associate at St. Paul's Episcopal Church; Yolanda Pierce, Ph.D., Dean, Howard University School of Divinity; Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Howard, Interim Dean at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and more.
"Events that occurred in 1619 Virginia marked the beginning of a 400-year shared history of diverse peoples and cultures. This year also initiated the loss of religious traditions for Africans who were enslaved and forcibly migrated to the Virginia colony," said Kathy Spangler, Executive Director of the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution. "We encourage the public to join us at Faith Journeys in the Black Experience, where we will raise awareness of these lost religious traditions and examine the evolution of a religiously and culturally diverse country."
On Wednesday, March 20, the conference will showcase a public educational program and concert, Reflections of the Past: Songs from the African American Journey. Historical interpreter Wisteria Perry will present the historical context of spirituals as part of the African American journey, which will be performed by the Youth Choir from Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church.
Diversity is a central theme in Virginia's 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution. In 2019, American Evolution is partnering with notable Virginia institutions to host more than 20 events, programs and educational initiatives showcasing key occurrences from 1619 Virginia. These events set our nation on a course towards the ideals of democracy, diversity and opportunity, and include the first representative legislative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first recorded Africans to English North America, the recruitment of English women in significant numbers, the first official English Thanksgiving in North America, and the development of the Virginia colony's entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. A full schedule of American Evolution programming can be found here.
About the 2019 Commemoration
The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution™, highlights events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence America today. Featured programs, events and legacy projects will position Virginia as a leader in education, tourism and economic development. American Evolution™ commemorates the ongoing journey toward the key ideals of democracy, diversity and opportunity. Dominion Energy is an American Evolution Founding Partner and Altria Group and TowneBank are Virginia Colony Partners.
SOURCE American Evolution
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