UAH Office of Diversity hosts HAICI Forum: "Charleston, A Faith Response and a Different Outcome" SEP 21, 2015 | Joyce Anderson-Maples The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Office of Diversity in partnership with the Huntsville Area Inclusive Community Initiative (HAICI) will host a public forum at the Charger Union Theater on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. "Charleston, A Faith Response and a Different Outcome: What Made the Difference?," is a forum intended to promote mutual understanding, dignity, respect, and cooperation among all economic, ethnic, racial, religious, and social groups in the Huntsville community. The forum panel consists of campus and community leaders and pastors. "In this third of a series of community forums on race relations in Huntsville we will examine another aspect of our community not often explored along racial lines-the Faith Community," said Delois H. Smith, Vice President of the UAH Office of Diversity. "What can we learn from the Charleston (S.C.) tragedy? A markedly different outcome from that in Ferguson or Baltimore. How could a faith response, undergirded by forgiveness and non-retaliation, be possible in light of a heinous racial crime of hatred? Can, how, and should the faith community make a difference." Dr. John Kvach, a panelist and UAH Associate Professor of History is researching a new book that centers on Charleston in the 1820s, and on Denmark Vesey, who had a direct connection to the Emanuel AME Church. A mass shooting occurred at the historic church during a prayer service on June 18, resulting in the killing of nine people, including the church's pastor, Rev. Clementa Pinckney, also a South Carolina state senator. Kvach said Denmark Vesey, an abolitionist and former slave (purchased his freedom) helped found Emanuel AME Church in the early 1800s. Vesey was reported to be the mastermind behind a massive slave rebellion in 1822. "My research focuses on how white Charlestonians dealt with the reality of possible racial violence and how they turned their open city into a closed city because of the threat of violence," said Kvach. Currently on sabbatical, UAH's Kvach serves on several historical boards including the Alabama Historical Association, Education Committee for the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, and as the Smithsonian Scholar for the Alabama Humanities Foundation. Additional guest panelists include: Rev. Bruce Martin - 100X Church Rev. Wayne Benson - The Rock Gerry Binford - Central Church of Christ Rev. Huey Hudson — Restoration Church Launched in 2009, HAICI, a program of the National League of Cities, was coordinated for Huntsville's Human Relations Commission and Office of Multi-cultural Affairs by Rev. Frank Broyles and Rhonda Broyles. The project is launching practical ways to help the city meet the goals set by the 2009 Inclusive Community resolution approved by the Huntsville City Council. Huntsville is one of 196 cities nationwide and one of five in Alabama to accept the initiative's challenge. The forum panel will consist of campus and community leaders. Learn More UAH Office of Diversity Contact Delois H. Smith Office of Diversity 256.824.4600 diversity@uah.edu SHARE Related News {{article.title}} Related Links Quality Assurance of Online Courses Pass-Withdraw Instructions Updates for Summer 2020 Orientation Prospective Students: Want to visit us? Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Grading Changes Updated 4/6/2020 Updates to Grading for Spring 2020 due to COVID-19 Updated: 4/6/2020 ODEI COVID-19 Resources Wi-Fi Available for Student Use Update to Grading Policy for Spring 2020 Limited Business Operations Extended Urgent Zoom Recording Storage Issue Teaching Remotely Through End of Semester-Examination Guidance and OIT Help Guidelines COVID19 Bookstore updates UAH IT Telework Capabilities & Troubleshooting Human Resources Response to COVID-19 Situation Reminder Classes Canceled for March 19, 20, and 23, Delay of FAR Due Date, Suspension of Strategic Plan Faculty & Staff Campus Update University Business Services and Package Delivery Telecommute Process Faculty and Staff Clinic Update March 16, 2020 ETL Update - March 17th Withdrawal Deadline Extended to April 17 Faculty and Staff Clinic Members Covered under the UAH Self-Funded Health Plans CPS - COVID-19 Information and Updates Maintaining Academic Continuity in the Context of COVID-19 Important Information about Remote Delivery of Classes Beginning March 16th UAH events cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions Continuity of Library Services to Our Students Maintaining Instructional Continuity Reimbursement for Canceled Travel Popular Stories {{article.title}}