Conversations Matter
Meaningful Conversations are a powerful tool in the work against inequality. Main Street Connect, in concert with thought partners and local leaders: The Montgomery County Collaboration Council, Donte’s Boxing and Wellness Foundation and Virtues Matter, have created an opportunity to come together in a series of events called Conversations Matter.
Conversations Matter will be a free, virtual, weekly four-part series, beginning on Tuesday, January 19th at 7 pm. Participants will choose from an array of suggested educational offerings ranging from literature, poetry, videos, documentaries, movies and more, to be prepared to learn and engage, prior to the series. This will help attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the topics explored throughout the series, which is focused on our local black history, injustices that have been experienced by people with disabilities and people of color, how we can all engage in social action opportunities to work against racial injustice and finally how we can learn and grow from one another in meaningful conversation.
Session Dates & Topics
Local Black History
What drove us to participate in Conversations Matter? What do we know about racism, Black history and the key moments in our history which formed how we live today? What do we want to learn?
We seek to understand the experience of people of color throughout our local history and how that has shaped where we are today. Elijah Wheeler, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Collaboration Council, leads a panel conversation with Dr. Philip J. Merrill and Shellee Haynesworth.
Tuesday, January 26 @ 7:00 PM
Race X Disability
People of color and people with disabilities are faced with too many similar injustices. Find a person of color who also has disabilities, and we can see that the hurdles and roadblocks they experience are exacerbated.
How can we expand opportunities so we can all achieve our goals, aspirations, and dreams? What can we do to support our peers, loved ones, friends and co-workers with dignity and respect? Tatiana Lee, an actress and Communications Fellow from RespectAbility, and artist and disability champion, Lachi join us for this session.
Tuesday, February 2 @ 5:15 PM
Taking Action
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
In the search for answers, we often find more questions. What can we do? Where can we do it? When should we start? How else can we get involved? Connections made through Conversations Matter can be a resource to propel you to action.
This inspiring session will be led by noted speaker, facilitator, trainer and activist in the areas of diversity, equity, and social justice and Head of School for Sandy Spring Friends School, Rodney Glasgow.
Tuesday, February 9 @ 7:00 PM
Sustain the Change
Our willingness to ask questions and seek answers is a powerful tool in creating and sustaining change. It’s time to debrief, unpack, and use all that energy to power up momentum. We hope you will leave the series as an informed community member and better neighbor with a desire to continue engaging in complex conversations.
These complex conversations that matter will be led by two of our key thought partners, Dara Feldman of Virtues Matter and Donte Brown of Donte’s Boxing & Wellness Foundation. We will also be joined by Barbara Talley, poet, speaker, mindfulness leader and relative of Harriet Tubman.
Date and Time
Tuesday Jan 19, 2021
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
Weekly Sessions rom January 19th-February 9th 2021
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Tuesday, January 19 @ 7:00 PM: Local Black History
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Tuesday, January 26 @ 7:00 PM: Race X Disability
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Tuesday, February 2 @ 5:15 PM: Taking Action
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Tuesday, February 9 @ 7:00 PM: Sustain the Change
Location
Zoom, link will be shared upon registration.
Fees/Admission
Free
Contact Information
info@mainstreetconnect.org
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