Neighbor News
Ferguson: Remembrance and renewal two years later
Join the Center for Social Empowerment on August 9 and 11
The Center for Social Empowerment will host two events open to the public the week of August 9, commemorating the two-year anniversary of the shooting of Michael Brown that sparked movements across the nation and the world that still continue today. The Center is housed at Wellspring Church in Ferguson, 33 S. Florissant Rd., 63135.
“In Ferguson, at this place where there was trauma and tragedy, we're trying to encourage, inspire and even renew the human spirit,” said Rev. F. Willis Johnson, Wellspring Church. “In the past two years the world continues to see tragedy daily, but there is also growth and hope. We need to focus on the hope and solidarity. As a church and as the Center we need to embrace those hurting and help give people the means to heal each other.”
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
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On the two-year anniversary date of Michael Brown’s death on August 9, the Center will host We Remember: A Night of Reflection, Remembrance and Renewal starting at 6:30 p.m. Led by Rev. F. Willis Johnson along with other faith leaders, the evening will offer space to remember those who have died and for personal and communal prayer and reflection on ways in which we can come together in solidarity with all victims of recent tragedies in our country and around the world. All are welcome to gather in our space to lament and to find strength and hope in the midst of these injustices to tackle future issues of racial injustice and violence. The service will be followed by a fellowship and dessert potluck.
Thursday, Aug. 11, 7-9 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Florissantfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Center will host a Kinship in Crisis: Pursuing Racial Justice through Conversation and Relationship workshop. Using Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” facilitators will lead small groups in conversations about processing racialized violence, racism and privilege. They will also help guide participants to move past neutral and think of ways that they can act for justice in their everyday lives and in their own communities.