It would be so nice if, in the year 2019, the topic of race relations was confined to history books, but alas we all know there is still much work to do.
Delores Brisbon, an African-American woman, was born in the South, educated as a nurse, served as the Chief Operating Officer for the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and is a well-respected consultant in race relations. Mike Pulsifer, a Caucasian man, was raised in a midsize segregated city in Oklahoma, educated as a Presbyterian minister and now is the Pastor for Outreach for a multi-cultural congregation in Center City Philadelphia.
Sharing their own diverse life and work experience, Delores and Mike intend to start a conversation among us that will:
- reveal some of the misunderstandings about our cultural differences;
- encourage all of us to rediscover our own unconscious biases;
- acknowledge the progress that has occurred and the challenges that still exist in racial equality and justice;
- ·offer some suggested practical remedies and actions;
- invite others to share their own experiences and insights.
For those interested in some background reading two suggested resources are “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown and “Waking Up White” by Debbie Irving.
We will meet in the Arch Street Presbyterian Church at the corner of 18th and Arch Street. The Church is handicapped accessible. Enter through the glass double doors on the south side of the church on the west side of the Comcast Plaza.
Please RSVP by emailing info@pennsvillage.org. If emailing is inconvenient you may also call 215.925.7333. There is no charge for Penn’s Village members and volunteers. We would appreciate a $5 donation from other guests. Other guests are welcome to attend three programs before joining and/or volunteering.