The removal of statues honoring Confederate heroes and Christopher Columbus, and the Confederate flag has long been viewed by some as an infringement upon freedom of speech and erasing history. But what happens when that same freedom of speech is not afforded equally to all? What happens when such freedom of speech incites violence against others? What does it mean for monuments and markers that bear witness to America’s tragic racial history to remain in public places and sacred spaces? How do these symbols continue to shape the identity of our national and local communities? How are they still speaking to us?

Why should they go? What should replace them?

Please join us as we seek answers from a panel of theological scholars, clergy, and journalists.

Sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation and Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership.

Free but registration is required. Registrants will receive a recording of the event.

Panelists:

Dr. Christine Luckritz Marquis
Host
Associate Professor of Church History
Union Presbyterian Seminary
Richmond, VA

Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler
Moderator
Associate Professor of Bible
Director, Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation
Union Presbyterian Seminary
Charlotte, NC

Rev. Eboni Marshall Turman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Theology and African American Religion
Yale University Divinity School
New Haven, CT

Rev. Dr. Charles Dupree
Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Richmond, VA)

Steve Crump Steve Crump WBTV
Reporter, WBTV News
Charlotte, NC

Photo by Mollie Trainum