Presented by The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.
In a nation that is deeply divided, The Spirit of Change Town Hall, moderated by ABC News Anchor and Correspondent T.J. Holmes, is bringing together a multi-cultural audience with some of our nation’s greatest spiritual leaders, public figures and subject matter experts in an effort to find common ground regarding some of the most prevalent political and social issues of our time. The distinguished panelists will give their perspective and expertise on healthcare, education, immigration, justice reform, gun laws, and the impact they’re having on all American families. Rather than a referendum on right and wrong, The Spirit of Change Town Hall, invites participants of various backgrounds and beliefs – Conservative, Progressive, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and many others to celebrate diverse opinions about our country’s biggest dilemmas, while exploring possible solutions that may ultimately serve as the bridge to unite us all.
Panelists include Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA); Niger Innis, CNN and Fox News Political Commentator and National Chairman for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE); Reverend Eric S.C. Manning, Senior Pastor of the “Mother” Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC; Qasim Rashid, Muslim rights activist, Attorney and Candidate for U.S. Senate from Virginia’s 28th District; Joel Rubin, President of Washington Strategy Group, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs in the Obama Administration and MSNBC, FOX, The Hill and Axios contributor; Tara Setmayer, CNN Political Commentator, ABC News Political Contributor and a former GOP communications director on Capitol Hill; Alice Stewart, CNN Political Commentator and veteran Senior Communications Advisors on numerous Republican presidential campaigns; and Maya Wiley, MSNBC Legal Analyst and Senior Vice President for Social Justice at the New School University.
The Spirit of Change Town Hall is a call-to-action for us all to be a catalyst for positive change, as we seek to create a future of peace, clarity, respect and healing in our nation and our lives. Following this kickoff event, BWA and our National Collaborating Organizations will guide and encourage members and communities around the country to further this conversation by taking part in local multi-cultural coffees, meals and small gatherings with co-workers, families, friends and others as part of our new initiative The Spirit of Change Community Conversations Series.