During the first Wednesday dinner in Lent, a freshmen reported his excitement about hosting his first “kickback” (defined as a laid back, relaxed party). The report sounded benign to most people present, but I curiously inquired with the student about the planned location for his event. When the young man didn’t have a clear answer, [...]
Grace Lee Boggs to visit
March 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Ms. Grace Lee Boggs will be at the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center on Thursday, March 29, 2012. She will be joined by Dr. Vincent Harding and a number of activists from the Detroit area. The event will begin at 11:30 AM and will be in the cafe. All are welcome. Please bring a brown bagged [...]
We are Troy Davis
March 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center will co-sponsor an event with Amnesty International to discuss ways to continue fighting against the Death Penalty in the state of Georgia. This event will feature a keynote address from Ms. Kimberly Davis, a sister of Troy Davis. The event will be held on Spelman’s campus in Cosby Hall on [...]
Dr. Vincent Harding Speaks
February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dr. Vincent Harding, former speech writer for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited with students at the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. King. His visit is a part of an ongoing partnership between AJEC and Dr. Harding. Several Thursdays during the Spring semester, members of Dr. Harding’s class, [...]
From Hate to Hope: a Call for Restorative Justice
February 8, 2012 By 1 Comment
This past Saturday, three of my young brothers thought that it was a good idea to beat another brother. They also decided to videotape the beating so that others could laugh(?) with them. This video displaying graphic images of a young man being kicked and punched while anti-gay slurs were being yelled has been viewed [...]
Seeking a Worship Leader
January 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Chapel is seeking a praise and worship leader for Wednesday Evening’s in the Spring Semester A Stipend is available! Interviews: Will be held at the Chapel through February 14, 2012 Info: The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center seeks a person who is prayerful and has a heart for innovative forms of [...]
Year-End Review
January 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
At the end of the semester, I often put together a newsletter for my students and “Friends of Absalom” to remind and share with people the events of the semester. Here are a few highlights and reflections on the semester: The Minute-to-Win-It Ramadan Party This year marked the second annual Ramadan If-tar for the [...]
Labyrinth Walking
December 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
As the semester comes to a close, the Chapel is transformed into a space for journeying and meditation. Gone are the chairs and instruments, and instead one finds a large canvas mat with a labyrinth on it. The lights are dim and there is soft music playing intermittently. The candles in the center of the [...]
Thanksgiving at AJEC
November 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I stepped outside of the Center this afternoon to take a picture of the brilliant red trees in front of the chapel. I’ve driven by these trees for several days and each time I found myself whispering, “Thank you God for the beauty of your creation.” So, it seemed most fitting for me to snap [...]
Praying the Liturgy, Literally
October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Students who worship at the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center are not necessarily Episcopalian. In fact, many of them get their first introductions to a liturgical tradition via the Center. Because of their unfamiliarity with the tradition, some rather odd things can happen during the liturgy. Most of the oddities are non-consequential, but one student’s interpretation [...]