The Search for Common Ground in the Midst of Division

In his 1971 book, The Search for Common Ground, Howard Thurman grappled with the question of how people strive for inner wholeness while seeking community amongst people of different races and worldviews. In this presentation we will discuss the polarities in our nation across race, class, ethnicity, religion and national origin, and how that division impact all of us. We explore the different messages our institutions give us as Black and White persons that create inner and outer walls to mutual understanding and respect. We also delve into methods we use to overcome those walls. Finally, we explore actions we must take to begin tearing down walls and building bridges of understanding and solidarity.

Leader(s)

Mary Wade is a Minister at Wayland Temple Baptist Church and founder of Building Respect in Community (BRIC), a community based organization. She served as the Quaker United Nations Representative and on the Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Committee and other AFSC committees. She organized the African American Committee on the UN, inviting African Americans to meet with UN officials, and she has taught workshops, seminars, and retreats throughout the country.

Drick Boyd is Professor Emeritus in Urban & Interdisciplinary Studies of Eastern University and the author of White Allies in the Struggle for Racial Justice (Orbis, 2015). He has taught courses and led workshops on race and ethnic relations, white privilege, and social justice for a number of years. He is a member of NewCORE (New Conversations on Race and Ethnicity) and a lifelong activist for a number of social justice concerns.

Travel directions to Pendle Hill. Click to view the flyer.