Two University of Dayton events will draw the public into discussion of how to create a more just, equitable and united community.
“The Common Good in a Divided City,” April 1-3, will focus on the need for regional solidarity — an issue championed by Bro. Raymond Fitz, a religious and community leader and the University’s longest serving president.
“‘Common good’ refers to Catholic belief that each person’s fulfillment requires both contributing to the wellbeing of others and receiving from their flourishing. Our fulfillment is something we have together or we don’t have it at all,” said Kelly Johnson, the University’s Fr. Ferree Chair of Social Justice and a conference organizer. “The challenge is our cities, with structures like municipal boundaries and school districts, are set up so that we experience our good as divided, even in competition, not shared.
“Bro. Ray has been making this crucial point that we need to work on regional solidarity and mutual belonging if we want to build up the common good and we want to continue his action.”
The conference will bring together faith leaders, activists, policy-makers, scholars, community organizers and the general public. The goal is to foster relationships and inform a conversation about regional solidarity, acknowledging the histories and structures that divide the region, with particular attention to the roles of race and faith.
“Imagining Community: Shaping a More Equitable Dayton,” April 7-8 at the Dayton Arcade, was inspired by the UnDesign the Redline exhibit, which was on display at UD in October at Roesch Library. It will explore the history, legacy and impact of Dayton’s racial segregation, and how to move toward a more just, equitable and inclusive Dayton.
“This will be an inclusive conversation,” said Leslie Picca, Roesch Chair in the Social Sciences and a symposium organizer. “Together we will look at problems of the past to find ways to organize for a better future.”
Both events will feature noted speakers.
On regional solidarity: Korie Little Edwards, of The Ohio State University, will draw from her research on interracial religious congregations to consider the possibilities and challenges of religious responses to urban racial divides; Richard L. Woods, of University of New Mexico, will consider how church involvement in community organizing can transform attitudes and actions concerning race and racism; and Maureen O’Connell, of LaSalle University, will trace her Catholic family’s entanglements with race and racism from the time they immigrated to America to the present.
On an equitable Dayton, there will be more than 30 concurrent sessions featuring local artists, community organizers, faith communities and scholars. Keynote ShaDawn Battle, of Xavier University, will speak about Chicago Footwork, an embodied street dance of resistance and liberation. Plenary sessions will focus on resisting erasure in indigenous Ohio, and the history and context of community organizing.
Both events are free and open to the public. Registration information is available on the event websites.
