Fordham University will host its Faith, Education, and Civic Engagement Conversation Series, led by distinguished faith leaders Derrick Harkins and S. Raschaad Hoggard, Ph.D. The series begins on Sunday, September 22, at 2 p.m., at the University’s Lincoln Center campus, in the Law School’s Costantino Room. A second session will follow on Sunday, October 20, also at 2 p.m. Both events will be available via livestream.
As part of Fordham’s ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement, the series will explore the intersection of faith, education, and civic responsibility. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, the discussions aim to encourage civic participation, particularly within the Black community, a demographic set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections.
The event is sponsored by the Office of the President and the FitzSimons Presidential Initiative on Civics and Civility, with voter registration services provided by the Pi Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Attendees will have the opportunity to register to vote or verify their voter status from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. following each conversation. Please note, voter registration will not take place during the discussion and Q&A portion of this event.
Confirmed Panelists for September 22:
- The Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division and Adjunct Professor at Fordham School of Law
- The Rev. Derrick Harkins, Principal at the Raben Group and former National Director of Faith Outreach for the Democratic National Committee
- S. Raschaad Hoggard, Ph.D., Executive Chief of Staff, Office of the President, BMCC/CUNY, and Fordham University Ph.D. graduate
- The Rev. Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Jamila Ponton Bragg, founder of JamRock Productions, LLC, a theater company dedicated to producing works for, about, and by women, will moderate the event. Musical entertainment will be provided by NYC musician C. Anthony Bryant, followed by closing remarks from Tony and two-time Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance.
The conversation series is part of the Black Education: Faith, Race, and Educational Equity (BE: FREE) initiative, led by Phillip A. Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Educational Leadership at Fordham University. The initiative focuses on culturally responsive education practices that promote leadership and positive outcomes for students, schools, and communities.
“The 2024 elections represent a pivotal moment for all communities, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds,” says Smith. “These discussions aim to inspire long-term civic engagement, not just for the current election but for the future.”
The October 20 event will feature:
- The Rev. Dr. Eboni Marshall Turman, Associate Professor of Theology and African American Religion, Yale University
- The Rev. Dr. Mark L. Chapman, Associate Professor at Fordham University and Pastor of North Presbyterian Church in NYC
This event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. for both events.
