Dear Community Member,

On Thursday, February 25th at 7:00 pm VOACC is proud to present the next installment of our Healing Conversation titled "Toward A Beloved Community."

The intent of our Healing Conversations is to engage in safe and engaging conversations that inspire healing, hope, and awareness around issues that impact our own lives and the lives of others within our communities.

The Beloved Community, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described over half a century ago, is a global vision of society free of poverty, bigotry, racism, violence and discrimination of any kind. It is a vision built on pillars of love, equality, and justice. 

We will examine perspectives on the intent of Dr. King’s “Beloved Community” and hear from local leaders working to promote a “beloved community.” 

Make sure you register to be a part of this timely and important discussion. We're looking forward to engaging with you and our esteemed speakers.

To register for this Healing Conversation, click on the link below:
FACILITATOR
Pastor Damien E. Johnson

Pastor Johnson is a native of Washington, D.C. His roots in the church begin in the historic First Seventh-day Adventist Church where he was baptized and later sensed the call to ministry. He is currently the Senior Pastor of the Seabrook SDA Church in Lanham, MD.  
RESPONDENTS
Rev. Carlos Duran

Founder of Men Of Their Word, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping men and families to reach their potential. Rev. Duran is affiliated with the Clapham Group, which represents, and consults clients working to address modern-day injustices and promote the common good. 

 
Ying Matties

An immigrant from China, Ms. Matties is a biochemist and a community volunteer. She co-founded CARY (Community Allies of Rainbow Youth, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ youth in Howard County), and CAN-DO (Chinese American Network for Diversity and Opportunity). She also serves on the Steering Committee for Howard County Coalition for Immigrant Justice.
Mary Toth

Ms. Toth has worked on a variety of complex projects as an independent consultant, including strategic thinking, fundraising, public relations, and event planning for several organizations and individuals, including Vision Howard County (a community convening/building organization). She has also produced three community-wide conferences, on Diversity, Education, Older Adults, After-School programs.
Keith Williams, Ed.D, MA

Dr. Williams is an experienced human resources, mental health and workforce development specialist. Keith has been a featured speaker for the VA Department of Corrections and VA Community College Systems. Dr. Williams is an Effective Practices in Correctional Settings and Decision Points coach & facilitator and a certified Virginia Adult Career Coach. He currently serves in the role of HR Program Partner-Carolinas Region.
To learn more about our Spiritual Development Colloquium and upcoming Healing Conversations, visit www.voachesapeake.org/spiritual-colloquium.
For questions, please contact us at communications@voaches.org.