Re-Storying Dignity: From Stigma to Compassion

515 South Kilgo Circle Northeast,Atlanta GA 30307

14 March, 2023

Description

This performance weaves together the stories of five amazing Black women who were faced with monumental life challenges. When they needed solace and healing from their spiritual homes, they were met with judgment and rejection. They were ultimately able to overcome their challenges by turning to spaces and people where they found acceptance and belonging. Compassion helped them address, heal, and overcome the stigma as well as the circumstances they faced. The effects of stigma are paralyzing and long-standing. Our Black faith communities are critical to healing the stigma that Black women face daily. Black faith spaces play a critical role in shaping our larger communities and creating spaces where the population’s social determinants of health are greatly improved. Addressing stigma and sharing stories within the community helps all people become more compassionate and aware of each other’s lived experiences. Join us for this performance and conversation about how we can create inclusive and healthy communities. Compassionate Atlanta presents this performance in Partnership with Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Compassionate Atlanta is a grassroots non-profit organization. As community builders, we advance the culture of compassion by responding to the requests of our various communities in Atlanta and beyond. In collaboration with our 160+ partners and local supporters, our programming focuses on: Educational conversations and opportunities to build healthier, more connected, abundant, and thriving communities.The support and mentoring of other grassroots organizations to build infrastructure and capacity building for sustainability.Our commitment to civic engagement as we show up and advocate for marginalized groups in our cities and ensure that their voices are included in policies.This play and performance have multiple connections to Candler School of Theology, including the involvement of three alumnae: Compassionate Atlanta co-director Iyabo Onipede 16T, playwright Cassandra Henderson 15T, and actor La Trina P. Jackson 09T. Another actor in the performance completed the Certificate in Theological Studies program through Lee Arrendale State Prison, where many Candler students, alumni, and faculty have been involved through the years. This team displays many of the wonderful attributes of a seminary education and the networking opportunities that abound. It is a gift and a dream come true for this group of alums to bring their vocations to Candler and Cannon Chapel to celebrate their work in the world and help students see the various possibilities of ministry beyond the four walls of the church. Re-Storying Dignity is funded by a grant from Gilead COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest School of Divinity and presented by the following Candler School of Theology certificate programs and student organizations: Black Church Studies programBlack Student CaucusEmory University's Religion and Public Health Collaborative The Certificate in Theological Studies program (Lee Arrendale State Prison)The Women, Theology and Ministry program