Conference MLK Weekend in New Orleans, January 17-19, 2008
As we mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and look forward to a truly historic presidential inauguration, the American Jewish Committee and Office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York, supported by over 11 additional organizations and universities, are partnering for an exciting conference at Xavier University in New Orleans.
“Americans at the Pulpit and in the Public Square: A conversation on race, religion, and rhetoric”, held over Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend and on the eve of the presidential inauguration, is an effort to examine and reinvigorate Black-Jewish relations in a new context. African Americans and Jews were the two groups that voted in the largest numbers for President-Elect Obama. But what does this mean? And what can a renewed alliance hope to achieve, particularly in a worsening economic climate?
The conference will feature an impressive line-up of top academics, activists, and elected officials. Highlights include:
· Professor Cheryl Greenberg, author of Troubling the Waters: Black-Jewish Relations in the American Century. “The vexed topic of Black-Jewish relations in 20th-century America requires a brave writer, and Greenberg confronts the issue with honesty and dedication.” The Atlantic Monthly
· Lucia Small, Co-Producer and Co-Director of documentary film “The Axe in the Attic”. “One of the most challenging and unsettling American films of the year.” Cinema Scope Magazine
· Dr. Norman Francis, President of Xavier University & Advisor to five US presidential administrations
· Miami City Councilmember Andre Williams
· Rabbi James Rudin, Advisor to world leaders on interreligious affairs, including Pope Jean Paul II and a number of US presidents.
This is a unique opportunity to engage academics and advocates from around the country, interact in small discussion workshops, and participate in hands-on service. DON’T MISS IT! Visit nolaconference.blogspot.com for more information and to register.
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