In her presentation, “How to Have Better Political Conversations: Lessons From A Voice Teacher," Chorus director Elizabeth Davies led a fascinating discussion on how her training as a voice teacher has led her to helping others have effective and civil discussions on politics. Voice teachers, Elizabeth contends, are like political activists and change-agents, seeking to persuade others to discard habits and beliefs that may have been ingrained over a lifetime. She offered a voice teacher’s perspective on how to create a safe space for change.

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Erica Wrencher will share the purpose and ongoing work of Journey to Joy, an intentional reframe space for young womxn of color to explore joy and discover ways that this joy can transform their communities. Erica is a public educator, speaker, vocalist, and activist working with young folx, churches, and neighborhoods to build beloved communities. Her teaching and faith-rooted community leadership spans urban and rural contexts in North Carolina and Chicago. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations. She is active as an organizer for racial equity and justice and considers herself a human connection educator. Erica is committed to speaking from her context as a Black woman who is rooted in history and truth. Service Leader: Kathy Parham.

​In late April, roughly a month into our current pandemic, Captain Andy LeBeau was promoted to the position of Interim Chief of Police for the Town of Boone. For this service, Captain LeBeau will join us for a candid conversation on the role of police services (locally and nationally) during these difficult times. How does Captain LeBeau respond to criticisms of the police made by Black Lives Matter and the “defund the police” movement?  What can he tell us about de-escalation tactics and about the training of local police officers? How does contemporary police practice reflect our UU principle of “justice, equity and compassion in human relations”? Come with your questions for Captain LeBeau. Service Leader: Connie Green.

Chablis Dandridge, born to a 17-year old single mother and raised in Newark, NJ, had many lessons early on about the harsh realities of life. By 18, he had dropped out of school, suffered 4 gunshot wounds, was paralyzed from the waist down, fathered two children, was institutionalized for mental health concerns and found himself living in and out of jail.  While in prison, Chablis received a college degree and Paralegal Certification, learned Spanish, focused on prison reform advocacy and community outreach work, and authored 5 books. Today he lives in Charlotte, NC, speaks publicly on human rights and works tirelessly on recidivism and youth reformation programs.

Date/Time: Sunday, July 12, 11:00 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82455378963
Meeting ID: 824 5537 8963