Next Third Thursday:
September 21
Judi Jennings, “How Jail Incarceration Affects Us All”
In 2008, inspired by a mother visiting her incarcerated son, Judi Jennings began directing artmaking activities for children and families waiting in the visitors’ lobby of the Louisville Metro Jail. Then and now, families often endure long waits in an overcrowded lobby for a 20-minute visitation over a video link with their incarcerated family member. Upon her retirement as director of the Kentucky Foundation for Women, Judi and others formed the “Special Project,” a network supporting families affected by incarceration. The Project also advocates for criminal justice reform at the local level. Judi will discuss 1) how jail incarceration affects everyone in Metro Louisville, 2) why art matters, and 3) how you can make a difference!
Mark Your Calendars:
October 19
Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, “Building a Strong Village in Louisville”
Rashaad Abdur-Rahman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked for years in the field of child/family mental health services. He currently serves as Director of Mayor Fischer’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, formed to help create a city of safe neighborhoods, where everyone is supported, free of violence, and prepared for lifelong success. Rashaad believes deeply in the power of community and that, in order to foster a safe, healthy, and transformative society, we must work tirelessly to secure racial, economic, and social justice. Rashaad will talk about how we in Louisville can build a strong “village” and a safe and healthy community.
November 16
Rev. Joe Phelps, Highland Baptist Church, “Empower West Louisville”
Joe Phelps has been pastor at Highland Baptist Church for the past 20 years. In 2006, he founded “No Murders Metro,” an inter-denominational, inter-racial group holding prayer vigils at murder sites across Louisville. When he was a national spokesman exposing Walmart’s record of child labor, gender discrimination, and poor health care plans, he was labeled a “wacko” by Rush Limbaugh. He is currently co-chair of Empower West Louisville (“EmpowerWest”), a coalition of pastors and churches seeking to unleash the educational, economic, and spiritual power of West Louisville residents (empowerwest.com). Joe will talk about EmpowerWest’s journey toward working together as black and white progressive churches.
Hotel Louisville • 120 West Broadway (Corner of First & Broadway)
– Free Off-Street Parking –
Buffet Lunch at 11:30 • Presentation at Noon • $7.00 at the Door
Reservations required by MONDAY before the lunch
Videos of previous Third Thursday Lunches are here.
We are an interfaith organization committed to active nonviolence as a means of radical social change through education and coalition building. We engage social justice issues through nonviolent action locally, nationally and globally.
