Symposium Teaches Social Justice Through Art, Storytelling, & Food

Contact: Gloria Smith, 303-765-3198

“THE WELCOME TABLE” TEACHES SOCIAL JUSTICE THROUGH ART, STORYTELLING, & FOOD

DENVER – “The Welcome Table: Food, Culture and Community-Building,” a symposium/celebration sponsored by the Veterans of Hope Project at the Iliff School of Theology on July 18-20, will teach social justice through art, storytelling and food.

“The program will highlight the role of food and hospitality in the social justice movement traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Chicanos/Chicanas and Afro-Brazilians,” said Gloria Smith, executive director, The Veterans of Hope Project. “The program, geared toward high school age youth, but open to all ages, is co-sponsored by the Iliff School of Theology, the Ford Foundation, The Kellogg Foundation, the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children, and the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado.”

During the three day event, activists, cooks, scholars, artists, youth and other community members will gather to share stories, perspectives and food. The program will feature cooking demonstrations, arts workshops and panel discussions on connections between food, religion, culture and social justice history.

Local Denver presenters will be joined by cooks and artists from Maine; New Mexico; Washington, DC; California, and Brazil. Keynote speakers include Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock.

There is no cost to participate, but a $10 per day donation is suggested and advance registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the Veterans of Hope Project, 303 765 3198 or gsmith@iliff.edu.

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The Iliff School of Theology is a graduate theological school of the United Methodist Church, serving more than 38 different faith traditions. Founded in 1892, the seminary provides several degree programs, including a joint Ph.D. program with the University of Denver.