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Livingstone College Honors Program hosts Community Think Tank on Project 2025

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With many conversations around Project 2025, community members gathered at Livingstone College on Monday, September 30th at 6:00 p.m. in Tubman Theatre with a program hosted by the Honors Program of Livingstone College and Interfaith America Ambassadors with sponsorship by Gethsemane Baptist Church and Salisbury's Divine Nine.

Livingstone freshman honors student Sabrena Hogan welcomed guests, and Rev. Dr. Roy Dennis of Gethsemane opened with prayer. The program continued with honors student Christian Oliver examining the foundation of Project 2025 and its author, The Heritage Foundation. Alyse Stokes introduced the moderator, Dr. Da'Tarvia Parrish, as the audience began to collectively engage in powerful conversations on education, healthcare, civil rights, and economic, criminal, and environmental justice.

The college's 13th President, Dr. Anthony J. Davis, thanked the audience for coming and encouraged them to be informed about legislation and vote. Most of all, President Davis reminded the audience that Livingstone College is a nonpartisan institution that welcomes everyone to campus.

Panelist Rev. Dr. David Camps of First Calvary Baptist Church spoke extensively on issues regarding public education and policies in favor of private and charter schools that undermine educational opportunities and exacerbate racial disparities in academic achievement. William McKee, a community leader who also serves Winston-Salem State University, delved into the politics of environmental injustice and referenced current topics that directly affect North Carolinians and the nation. Panelist Dr. LaTarcia Barnes, Criminal Justice chair at Livingstone, lent an expert perspective regarding initiatives aimed at addressing systemic racism in the justice system, and student government association president of Livingstone, Ne'Khia Ray, discussed anti-discrimination laws, affirmative action, and equal employment opportunities.
 
The discussion continued with Salisbury youth Mr. Xavier Brown of Salisbury High, who shared the need for intergenerational relationships and encouraged older generations to share experiences with younger generations to help prepare for tomorrow. Chris Bennett presented a dramatic rendition of African Americans through the years regarding the loss and gaining of civil rights. Inspired by Bennett's performance, Dr. Parrish stated, "We are not the first generation to gain and lose rights. Particularly during this voting season, we must remember the 15th Amendment of 1870 and the Civil Rights Act of 1965." The audience shared announcements and experiences that centered around voting while the event came to a close.
 
Attendee Kyonna Kelly said, "This was an awesome event. The information shared was inspiring and eye-opening. I am motivated to vote."

For more information about positions regarding Project 2025, visit https://nul.org/stop-project-2025 or https://naacp.org/campaigns/our-2025
Project 2025, Livingstone College, Gethsemane Baptist Church, Salisbury Divine Nine, Rev. Dr. Roy Dennis, The Heritage Foundation, Dr. Anthony J. Davis, Rev. Dr. David Camps, First Calvary Baptist Church, Winston-Salem State University, Civil Rights, Civil Rights Act of 1965, Voting, Election 2024

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