A few years ago I flew to Spokane, Washington to speak at a university. On college campuses you never know what you're gonna get because students have a thing called options! They might be starting class at 8pm, and they have meetings at 10pm. All kinds of clubs are competing for their attention. Practices and concerts and events have their schedules packed. And you may surprised to hear that attending a “DEI” lecture is not always at the top of the to-do list. But half an hour out from the event beginning, butts were already in seats. By the time the event actually started the room was filled. Fifteen minutes into speaking, someone had to interrupt me because we were causing a fire hazard. They had to open an additional room for the overflow of people. I was stunned. And excited. The energy in the room was palpable. There were students everywhere. Professors and pastors and adults from the community sprinkled among them. I asked them why in the world they were all here, and I actually expected someone to respond- lol. No one did.
For weeks afterwards I contacted people on campus to find the person who might have recorded that event and evidently it was not recorded. It was so wonderful that I wanted to share it with others. I hope that Whitworth will invite you to return, or perhaps Gonzaga University in Spokane.
I was there that night at Whitworth University in Spokane and I had two of my teen grandkids along with me. We absolutely loved the experience of you and hope you will return to Spokane soon! That was an amazing night.
Thank you, Austin. Most of what you shared must seem very basic to you, but it is unlearning for me. Growing up as a person of privilege, I am devoting my reading to historical sources by black authors from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. What a rich history it is.
I remember hearing about the Exodus story but not really in quite the way you share it. It was more about Moses than the people as a whole. However, I do remember hearing sermons about how slavery is okay, because it is mentioned in the New Testament. But what was omitted is how slaves should be treated. It was always brushed off. There was never any explanation of who the slaves were, why they were enslaved. My questioning always led the subordination of women and that we shouldn't be questioning the Bible or our "Elders".
Thank you for the enlightenment. Where I struggle today is finding a place or where to join in for justice.
Beautiful and thought provoking. Thank you. ❤️
For weeks afterwards I contacted people on campus to find the person who might have recorded that event and evidently it was not recorded. It was so wonderful that I wanted to share it with others. I hope that Whitworth will invite you to return, or perhaps Gonzaga University in Spokane.
So much awesomeness in this piece! Thank you for introducing me to Caroline Wanga… that video was 🔥🔥🔥
Love this!
Thank you for this! Yes, back to action!
I was there that night at Whitworth University in Spokane and I had two of my teen grandkids along with me. We absolutely loved the experience of you and hope you will return to Spokane soon! That was an amazing night.
Thank you, Austin. Most of what you shared must seem very basic to you, but it is unlearning for me. Growing up as a person of privilege, I am devoting my reading to historical sources by black authors from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. What a rich history it is.
So , so impactful. Sharing across all my platforms.🙌🏾
I remember hearing about the Exodus story but not really in quite the way you share it. It was more about Moses than the people as a whole. However, I do remember hearing sermons about how slavery is okay, because it is mentioned in the New Testament. But what was omitted is how slaves should be treated. It was always brushed off. There was never any explanation of who the slaves were, why they were enslaved. My questioning always led the subordination of women and that we shouldn't be questioning the Bible or our "Elders".
Thank you for the enlightenment. Where I struggle today is finding a place or where to join in for justice.