SEPTEMBER 2021
September 2021

September 23: The DNA of the United States: The U.S. Constitution
 
September 27: Nexus Interfaith Dialogue: Race and Displacement in Coastal Virginia
 
October 7: Nexus Interfaith Dialogue: Why Exodus Matters in Coastal Virginia
Events are free and open to the public and are held on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University.
During this fall face masks are required at all events.
For more information, please contact the Robert Nusbaum Center
The DNA of the United States: The U.S. Constitution
CONSTITUTION DAY EVENT
Thursday, September 23
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center

The U.S. Constitution is our DNA. It has shaped our country in important and meaningful ways, but also in ways that have fallen short of our highest ideals, as in issues relating to race and gender. Eric W. Claville, director of the Center for African American Public Policy at Norfolk State University, looks at how the Constitution frames our understanding of American democracy, and on how we-as a country-continue to be shaped through changes like the 15th and 19th Amendments.  
Exodus in America: Exploring Coastal Virginia’s Racial Legacy of Place and Displacement
NEXUS INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Monday, September 27
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Jane P. Batten Student Center, Pearce Suite

The In[HEIR]itance Project is a national arts organization that creates space for communities to navigate challenging civic conversations through collaborative theater projects inspired by sacred texts. Participants in Coastal Virginia become co-creators in a play that explores the racial dynamics of the region's legacy of place and displacement in relationship to the Book of Exodus. The finished play premieres at the 2022 Virginia Arts Festival. Please join this interactive salon facilitated by I[H]P Co-founders Chantal Pavageaux, Jon Adam Ross, and Ariel Warmflash. No prior experience or expertise necessary!
 
This program is made possible, in part, by the
Hampton Roads Community Foundation and Virginia Humanities.
Exodus in America: Faith Perspectives on Why Exodus Matters in Coastal Virginia
NEXUS INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
Thursday, October 7
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Jane P. Batten Student Center, Pearce Suite

 
In the book, America's Prophet, Bruce Feiler claims that no figure has inspired Americans more than Moses and that no book of the Bible has influenced Americans more than the Book of Exodus. Hands United Building Bridges Co-leaders Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg (Ohef Sholom Temple), Rev. Dr. Sharon Riley (Faith Deliverance Christian Center), and The Rev. John Rohrs (St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church) discuss the historical significance of the Book of Exodus and its enduring importance in their faith. Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB) is an interfaith, interracial network of clergy, congregations, and community leaders in Coastal Virginia.
 
The Nexus Interfaith Dialogue series is sponsored in partnership with the
Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) and Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB)
ROBERT NUSBAUM CENTER

Dr. Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies and the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Jr.
Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center

Kelly Jackson, Associate Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center

Dr. Eric Mazur, Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies and Robert Nusbaum Center Fellow for Religion, Law, and Politics