A Gathering for Compassion, Contemplation, Hope, and Healing
Watch the full service HERE.
WHAT:
Compassion + Prayer = A Gathering for Hope and Healing
A prayer service and community call to action: to pause, pray, unite, as we begin the process of healing our city, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, escalating gun violence, racial inequities and civil unrest.
WHEN:
Sunday, August 30th, 3:00-4:30pm EDT
WHERE:
Muhammad Ali Center Plaza, 144 N. Sixth Street
WHO:
Organizers
The Muhammad Ali Center
Lonnie Ali, Opening Remarks
Dr. Muhammad Babar, Ali Center Board Member, Moderator
Donald Lassere, President & CEO of The Muhammad Ali Center, Closing Remarks
OTHER SPEAKERS
Local Clergy
Stachelle Bussey, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Jeremiah Cunningham, Lakota Nation, First People
Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion
Father Shayne Duvall, St. Raphael The Archangel Catholic Church
Reverend Eric French, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Sanjana Mahesh, Hindu Community
Representative from the Mormon faith (TBA)
Pastor Matt Reagan, Southeast Christian Church
Tamara Scott, Baha’I Community
Dr. Reverend Corrie Shull, Burnett Avenue Baptist Church
Rabbi Dianne Tracht, Jewish Community
Eiman Zuberi, Louisville Islamic Center of Compassion
Other Guest Speakers
Chuck Gerth (and Family), Father of Tyler Gerth
Special Agent Robert Brown, FBI
Victoria Gwynn, PRP High School graduate, (gun violence)
Dr. Keith Miller, trauma surgeon, representing University of Louisville medical doctors
Christie Welch, University of Louisville (gun violence)
Children Group from St. Francis of Assisi
Other Special Guests
Odessa Riley, Mother of David McAtee
Steve Romines, Attorney of Odessa Riley
Christopher 2X, Game Changers
University of Louisville medical students
WHY:
Within just a few short months, the City of Louisville has become one of the main epicenters in the country for both peaceful protests for racial justice, as well as protests that have seen violence, vandalism, and rioting. We are also raging under the economic and health impact of COVID.
In June 2016, during the week of Muhammad Ali’s passing, Louisville was the epicenter of national and international news for a very different reason; our City displayed unity, goodwill, respect, and inclusion for all. Louisville came together like never before as our community showed the best of ourselves to the world and to one another—regardless of ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, age, politics, or geographic boundary.
History has shown us that Louisville is a civil and caring city that comes together during difficult times. But there are immediate issues that have to be dealt with and dismantled before we can begin to re-build through intentional and collective action. This will take patience and prayer, awareness and involvement—from every sector of our community.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Due to COVID safety guidelines, there is limited space for on-site attendance, but the event can be watched on Facebook Live @Muhammad Ali Center, and will be available at a later date on the Ali Center’s web site.
- Masks or facial coverings are required.
- Please advise in advance if you will be covering this event.
- In the event of inclement weather, there will be an alternate location available.