Live, free webcast on November 15
The Episcopal Church will devote two days to the exploration of a critical topic: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America.
This year marks significant landmark anniversaries in the struggle to end discrimination, provide equal rights and combat racism: the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the pivotal March on Washington, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers, the 100th birthday of Rosa Parks. In 1964 the Civil Rights Act was signed into law.
On November 15, The Episcopal Church will host and produce the 90-minute live forum in collaboration with the Diocese of Mississippi. The forum will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern.
There is no fee to view this live forum. Access is available through the Episcopal Church website at www.episcopalchurch.org/page/state-racism.
The forum will be moderated by well-known journalist and PBS commentator Ray Suarez. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will present the keynote address.
The forum will begin with a thought-provoking video that explores the roots of the anti-racism movement in America. The video features the stories of leaders active in the civil rights movement in Mississippi, their reflections on pre-Civil Rights Era injustices and where they see hope for the future.
Two panel discussions will focus on main themes: Racism in America today – why does it persist? and Racism in America's future – where is there hope for change?