WILLIAMSBURG — Authors Reggie Dabbs and John Driver will be leading conversations about race from a Christian perspective Saturday, July 30, at Williamsburg’s historic First Baptist Church.
Dabbs and Driver wrote the 2021 book “Not So Black and White: An Invitation to Honest Conversations about Race and Faith” to explore recent discussions of race through the lenses of Christianity and history.
“This discussion is an invaluable opportunity for people to equip themselves to engage in honest conversations about race,” said Laura Hill, founder and leader of Coming to the Table-Historic Triangle, which is co-hosting the event with First Baptist Church, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Williamsburg Christian Church and the Let Freedom Ring Foundation.
Dabbs is a public school communicator and event speaker who lives in Fort Myers. Driver is an author, executive and teaching pastor at the Church at Pleasant Grove near Nashville. The longtime friends will discuss how to be an anti-racist in America today, in part by sharing stories of fellow Christians who have found ways to reach across the racial divide. They will also delve into the history of racism in America, including in its churches.
“Race is a social construct that doesn’t show up at the genetic level,” said the Rev. Reginald Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church. “We are all biologically the same, but the social construct of race still shapes our human experiences of exclusion, discrimination, and violence against one another. The social construct of power, privilege, and control is the real problem, not distinctive physical traits of humanity.”
The event is free, but registration is required. To register, call 757-229-1952 or click here for the online link. Attendees may join the conversation either in person or remotely via Zoom. In-person attendees must be vaccinated and wear masks. The event will take place July 30 from 10 a.m. to noon.
