We are a deeply divided nation – and our local communities reflect this split. Sharply divergent attitudes about political aims, social goals, religious beliefs and more often have resulted in misunderstanding, hostility and a failure to work toward a common good. The Humanity Project thinks the Inauguration of a new U.S. President offers an opportunity to ease these tensions.
On Saturday, January 23, the Humanity Project will lead a major online panel discussion in an effort to help begin the healing at a local level, bringing together a diverse collection of community leaders. This is just three days after the new Biden/Harris administration is sworn in. Our goal is to foster mutual understanding and respect, ideally agreeing on a course of action that will unite folks of very different beliefs. The conversation is called, “Seeking Common Ground.” No matter where you live, we invite you to share your own ideas during this free virtual forum. Please join us! We believe that this panel can identify ways to advance common values despite our varied perspectives. Afterall, human beings have much more in common as individuals than we have differences. Sign up for the Humanity Project’s free online panel discussion.
The panel will be hosted by the large Broward County library system in South Florida, organized by the Humanity Project and moderated by Humanity Project Founder and President, Bob Knotts. Panelists include:
• Dr. Laura Finley: Humanity Project Board of Directors. Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Barry University. Author or co-author of 31 books, including “School Violence.”
• Pamela Adams: President and CEO of Adams Consulting Group. Executive Director of the Fort Lauderdale Community Development Corporation and President of the Broward County Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
• Evan Goldman: Vice President of Community Planning and Government Relations at the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Attorney and adjunct law professor at Nova Southeastern University.
• Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed: Humanity Project Leadership Council. Islamic scholar, founder/principal of Darul Uloom Islamic Institute.
• Pastor Greg J. Kritz: Lead pastor at Lighthouse Community Church. Longtime community activist.
• Dr. Anita Meinbach: Associate Professor at the University of Miami’s School of Education and Human Development. Author or co-author of more than a dozen books for educators.
• Todd Delmay: President and co-founder of the Hollywood LGBTQ Council. Business owner, author and speaker.
• Karen Smith: Community Outreach Coordinator of Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County. Longtime community activist.
• Duane Mellor: Outreach Director at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Longtime community activist.
• Andrew Leone: Director of Communications and Community Engagement at the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. Longtime community activist.
• Earl Maucker: Lighthouse Point City Commissioner. Former South Florida Sun Sentinel managing editor and Editor-in-Chief.
• Pastor Keith Spencer: Lead pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church of Pembroke Pines, Florida. Former U.S. Naval officer and U.S. Naval Academy honors graduate.
Please join us for this important conversation. We hope it will launch many more discussions in our own community and beyond, inspired by the understanding that all people deserve equal respect … and that only collaboration will bring about a better world.
