Historically, many Black people have been skeptical of the medical system and organ donation. Join us for a informative conversation with Ms. Kia White on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Come with your questions and concerns.
And if you know someone who would be interested in this topic, please feel free to share this information with them.
For more information or to request the Zoom codes please complete the form.
Come with your questions and concerns.
And if you know someone who would be interested in this topic, please feel free to share this information with them.
For more information or to request the Zoom codes please complete the form.
"FIG Fridays"
FIG Fridays is a weekly fellowship for women. We meet on Zoom every first and fourth Friday at 6:00 pm. for discussions, Bible study, movies, exercise, and more.
To sponsor a Fourth Friday conversation please indicate in the comments section of the form.
To sponsor a Fourth Friday conversation please indicate in the comments section of the form.
Facing Issues Grace-Fully
Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken. Micah 4:4
Mission: To connect through conversation.
Vision: To educate, support, empower, and inspire persons to face issues grace-fully through inclusive conversation.
History: FIG is an outgrowth of the Conversations Project, began by Rev. Waltena Downs Pride and the late Rev. Pamela Williams Holmes in 2009. It was a way of presenting short dramatic presentations as a prologue to a workshop. During the workshop the participants become a part of the conversation through interactive groups. This format proved successful in the discussion of social justice issues and difficult or uncomfortable topics. Through the years Rev. Pride has continued to use this format in many of her presentations.
FIG: FIG was officially established in February, 2019. Rev. Waltena D. Pride was the Founding Visionary. Founding members were Rev. Glorietta Jones, Mrs. Veronica McCall, and Mrs. Jackie McFarland.. It was born out of numerous informal discussions in person and on Facebook concerning many of the uncomfortable issues people face that are often never discussed. They believed that frank and honest discussions in the context of Biblical truths and community resources could educate, support, empower, and inspire persons facing difficult issues.
FIG is an independent, voluntary, community ministry not affiliated with any other organization or church. We, however, do partner with churches, organizations, and individuals to co-sponsor critical and sometimes difficult conversations.
Before March 2020, each session had a topic and scriptural reference. The began with prayer and a short dialogue, monologue, spoken word, song, or dance to introduce the topic. A brief instructional session offered definitions, facts and figures regarding the topic. Participants were then separated into small groups and given specific questions to discuss concerning the topic. Each group reported in an open session. The sessions closed with a closing summary that included resources and prayer, specific to the topic.
Since COVID-19 we have pivoted to an online format. Each virtual session, is specific to an individual topic and speaker. After a statement of purpose and opening prayer, the speaker is introduced for a 30 to 45 minute presentation. This is followed by a question and answer period. The entire program lasts about an hour.
FIG hopes to bring release and healing, and provide resources to persons and groups facing some of the difficult and uncomfortable issues of life.
On September 3, 2023, Facing Issues Grace-Fully became a part of Waltena Downs Pride LLC.
Past Conversations - We have presented more than 60 conversations.
Facing Privilege - A discussion about the types of privilege and how they impact our lives
Having Our Own - A day long conference about many aspects of making and keeping wealth
Mental Wellness - A series of conversations with mental health professionals
We Don't Talk About That - Conversations about Rape and Incest, Human Trafficking, and Domestic Violence
Education Summit - Conversations with local public school representatives
Holy Ground:This is Where we Heal Hurts - Conversations about Grief and Loss
This Far by Faith - A series of conversations with faith leaders about the affects of the pandemics on churches
Facing a New Normal - A series of conversations with different demographic groups
Keeping Our Brothers and Sisters - Conversations about gun violence in our communities
Doing a New Thing - A series of conversations about Theology and Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Wellness
Black History Makers - A series of conversations with contemporary Black History Makers
Gathering the Village - A series of conversations addressing the needs of our communities, including parents, children, and pastors
A Virtual Tour of CARITAS - A conversation about this well known organization and how it helps the community
Black Religion: Overcoming the Obstruction and Oppression Within Two conversations about the history of black religion
Hair Loss and Restoration - Co-Sponsored by Sisters Network Central Virginia A conversation with a trichologist about types, causes, and treatments for hair loss.
Anger Management - A conversation addressing what anger really looks like.
Fatherhood - A conversation about fatherhood and the types of fathers.
Black Pride, Black Power, and Black Influence - With Ms. Shannan Clark
The Real West End - With Mr. Emmett Safari
State of Criminal Justice - With Mr. Nathan Hamm\
Elementary School Assessments and Tests - Ms. Whitney Washington
Retirement Matters: Getting Ready for the Next Transition - Mrs. Margaret Roane
Community Crime and Domestic Violence - Officer Carol Adams
Critical Race Theory - Ms. Carol Waties
Fighting Domestic Violence - Rev. Inga Green
Science and Religion: His Awesomeness and our Stewardship - Mr, Maurice Henderson
Being the Only One at the Table - Dr. Adrienne Quarles-Smith
Generational Changes in Parenting - Mrs. Jane Talley
Back to School Panel Discussion - Rev. Tara Mosby-Jones, Elder Alandra Williams, and Rev. Zynora Mason
Elephant in the Pew Panel Discussion - Mr. Lemmie Downs-Lunn, Ms. KneKesha Crute, Rev. Brenda Walker