Free talk on social justice Friday in Annandale

Prof. powell

The public has an opportunity hear from one of the nation’s top thinkers on race, civil rights, and social justice Friday morning in Annandale.

Professor john a. powell will speak on “Racing to Justice: Achieving Social Equity in Our Community” at Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. The event is free, but tickets are required. Click here to reserve a spot. A light breakfast will be available. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.

powell is director of the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion, and is a professor of law and African-American and ethnic studies.

A frequent speaker and prolific writer, powell’s most recent book is Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society. powell is expected to speak about the impact of racism in our educational, judicial, social, and economic spheres and explore how we can continue to live the values of our community’s ideals. (According to the Berkeley News, he spells his name in lower case because of his belief that we should be “part of the universe, not over it, as capitals signify.”)

powell will also speak at the Reston Community Center Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. Both events are presented by the Reston Community Center in association with the Equitable Growth Profile Advisory Group of Fairfax County with support from Annandale United Methodist Church, the office of Fairfax County Supervisor Catherine Hudgins (Hunter Mill), Leadership Fairfax Inc., and the Fairfax County government.