TALK: Freedom and Justice in America: Ideal vs. Reality

Join us for a conversation with Ms. Carol Ruth Silver and Mr. Willis T. White, two activists who have been working to expand freedom and justice in America for over five decades. Ms. Silver will share her experience as a Freedom Rider during the civil rights movement in 1961 and discuss challenges and opportunities for engaged citizens interested in supporting the rights of African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and other minorities in today’s world. Willis T. White, a lifelong civil rights activist currently pursuing a doctorate at the Berkeley School of Theology, will reflect on the ideals of freedom and justice and give his perspective on the current status of civil rights in America.

Speakers: Carol Ruth Silver and Willis T. White
Facilitator: Doug Powers

Venue:
DRBU Southwing, 2nd Floor Lounge (DRBU/CTTB Community & Guests Only)*
ONLINE: Register HERE  for the Zoom link.

Speakers’ Bio: 

Carol Ruth Silver was one of the first two white women to be jailed in the Freedom Rides, an experience that sparked a career in law and politics. She published her diary Freedom Rider Diary: Smuggled Notes from Parchman Prison. She was instrumental in the founding of The Chinese American International School and Instilling Goodness Elementary School. She has been working for the past ten years to enhance education, particularly for women and girls in Afghanistan, and she currently serves as a member of the Dharma Realm Buddhist University Board of Trustees.

Willis T. White is a retired San Francisco Bay Area businessman and a lifelong civil rights activist.  He is currently enrolled in a Doctoral degree program at the Berkeley School of Theology, a part of the Graduate Theological Union.