Best-selling author headlines Faith & Action discussion of poverty’s root causes

Oct. 23 event designed to stimulate action

New York Times best-selling author Michelle Alexander joins a panel of local leaders to examine poverty’s root causes and call the community to action at the Faith & Action Project’s Oct. 23 fall event.

The author of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” Alexander has spoken widely about the socioeconomic impact of racial discrimination, and specifically the way it affects African-American males.

The free, public event kicks off the third year of the Faith & Action Project, which connects, inspires and empowers faith communities and others to implement effective solutions for people confronting poverty.

“In our efforts to encourage focused conversations about poverty, this year we are delving more deeply into root causes,” said Lindsey Nell Rabinowitch, director of the Faith & Action Project at CTS. “Issues such as race and incarceration can’t be ignored or overemphasized in our quest for solutions.”

Alexander will offer a keynote address and then join the local leaders for a conversation that delves into poverty’s foundations and the community’s role in both its expansion and eventual elimination … all with an eye toward equipping residents and organizations to curb poverty’s momentum and apply their collaborative might to the fight against poverty.

The local leaders scheduled to participate are:

• Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber, whose Rebuilding the Dream report focuses on inclusive growth in the region;
• Angela Carr Klitzsch, president and CEO of EmployIndy, which seeks to ensure all Marion County residents have access to the services and training necessary to secure a livable wage and grow in a career that meets employer demand for talent;
• Dr. Frank A. Thomas, a preacher, scholar and professor of African American preaching at Christian Theological Seminary, who will bring a perspective on how the faith community should be responding to poverty.

“Defeating poverty will require a broad collaboration,” added Rabinowitch. “As such, we hope that everyone – from all sectors of our community – will attend to join this challenging but meaningful conversation. We’re only going to make a difference if we work together to address the big issues.”

The evening also will include a recognition of local initiatives that are prompting real and lasting change in the lives of people living in poverty, as recipients of Faith & Action grants are honored and celebrated.

WHAT:        Faith & Action’s Fall Event

                  Poverty: Examining Roots, Working Toward Solutions

WHEN:        Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m.

WHERE:      Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University, 4602 Sunset Ave.

COST:         Free but tickets are required. Register at https://faithaction18.eventbrite.com

About the Faith & Action Project

The Faith & Action Project at Christian Theological Seminary is dedicated to helping to spark a revolution of hope by leveraging resources of communities of faith to connect, inspire and empower lasting solutions for people confronting poverty. Through annual public events and grants, the Faith & Action Project seeks to ignite a solution-oriented movement for inclusive well-being in our community. The Faith & Action Project is supported by the Mike and Sue Smith Family Fund and Lumina Foundation. www.cts.edu/faith-action-project/

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jen Schmits Thomas, [email protected], 317-441-2487