Where Faith Meets Freedom Jesus The Cross and Liberation Vancouver
📅 Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
🕒 Time: Doors Open/Dinner: 6:00 PM | Program: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
📍 Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Reflect. Listen. Liberate. In celebration of Black History Month, the NAACP Vancouver Branch and the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) invite the community to a profound evening of shared dinner and dialogue titled “Where Faith Meets Freedom: Jesus, the Cross, and Liberation.”
This community conversation centers on two foundational texts of Black theology from the joint NAACP x CCHM reading list. Together, we will examine works that confront the brutal realities of racial violence and oppression while proclaiming a faith rooted in dignity, resistance, and the spiritual survival of the disinherited.
Event is Free and Open to the Public
This event includes a shared community dinner and is open to all who wish to participate in this vital cultural and spiritual exploration. No registration is required.
Foundational Texts for Discussion
The evening’s dialogue will be centered around these two essential works:
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- The Cross and the Lynching Tree: By Rev. Dr. James H. Cone, exploring the link between the crucifixion and the history of racial terror in America.
- Jesus and the Disinherited: By Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, presenting a spiritual anchor for those with their “backs against the wall.”
Guided By
The conversation will be moderated by esteemed community faith leaders:
Rev. Michael Jones Jr., Vice President, NAACP Vancouver Branch
Rev. Dr. Joyce Smith, Pastor, Community AME Zion Church
Pastor Byron Harris, Pastor, Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church
For more information, please contact Rev. Michael Jones Jr. at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the “Where Faith Meets Freedom” event?
The event is a community dinner and discussion exploring Black theology, specifically how faith intersects with liberation and the struggle against racial oppression.
Do I need to have read the books to attend?
While the discussion focuses on books by James H. Cone and Howard Thurman, all community members are welcome to attend, listen, and participate regardless of their familiarity with the texts.
Is dinner provided at the museum?
Yes, the invitation includes a shared dinner starting at 6:00 PM before the formal conversation begins at 6:30 PM.
Where can I find the NAACP x CCHM reading list?
You can contact the Clark County Historical Museum or the NAACP Vancouver Branch for the full joint reading list curated for this program.
Who is organizing this event?
This is a collaborative effort between the NAACP Vancouver Branch and the Clark County Historical Museum in honor of Black History Month.
