Kickoff A Success. What’s Next?

The Year of Unity (YOU) was successfully launched on January 24 at the Belo Mansion. Over 70 business, law enforcement, community, philanthropic and faith leaders were present to learn about Project Unity and the YOU initiative including Mayor Mike Rawlings, Dr. Hinojosa, Dr. Gerald Turner, and a host of our Honorary Co-Chairs and Ambassadors. Thanks to everyone who was able to attend the press conference and the luncheon. Click here to view an excerpt of the press event. So we launched the Year of Unity, but what’s next?

Since the launch event the team has been busy working with Honorary Co-Chairs, Ambassadors and community partners exploring programming ideas, initiating event plans, and leveraging existing programs that focus on race relations and community building. We are excited about the programs and events being developed with partners including the Dallas Arts District, SMU, Dallas Mavericks, American Airlines Center, United Way, State Fair of Texas and others.

Getting Involved

YOU Honorary Co-Chairs and Ambassadors Help Make Plans YOU programs and events begin this month. Honorary Co-Chairs and Ambassadors are helping to lead the way!

Together We Worship On Sunday, March 26th, more than 20 pastors across Dallas will swap pulpits and minister to congregations whose majority membership is different than their own. YOU Ambassadors Pastor Jeff Warren and Pastor Bryan Carter are coordinating the swap. “The pulpit swap is a day for the Body of Christ to show solidarity, uniting the Church across greater Dallas. I believe there has never been a more important time for churches to come together across racial lines than right now. The pulpit swap ignites a fire of unifying relationships and on-going ministries for the advancement of the Gospel,” Pastor Warren.

Together We Dine On Wednesday, March 29, the YOU and Faith Forward Dallas will host a multi-faith lunch and dialogue for area faith leaders. This effort is being spearheaded by YOU Honorary Co-Chair Almas Muscatwalla.

Together We Learn On Saturday, April 1, the YOU will host Together We Learn, a program where law enforcement will dialogue with Dallas teens between the ages of 16-18 in a positive forum and provide practical instruction on how to act and react during traffic and pedestrian stops. This program is in partnership with the Black Police Association, DISD, Sewell Lexus Dallas and United Way Dallas. Thanks to the leadership of YOU Ambassadors Malik Aziz, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Eric McHenry and Susan Hoff respectively. The program takes place at St. Paul UMC from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Together We Learn will benefit all teens. Please consider registering teens from your church, family or school to attend. An event flyer is attached for distribution. Register a teen today for this important and free event at https://togetherwelearn.eventbrite.com. For more information on any of these programs, please contact us and learn how to get involved! Partner Events Spread the Word…

Saturday, March 25 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dallas Police Chief on the Beat Crime Prevention Safety & Health Fair of 2017 Lakewest YMCA 3737 Goldman St. Dallas, TX 75212 Contact the Office of Community Affairs at 214-671-4045 | @DPDCA

Sunday, April 2 5 p.m. St. Andrew UMC, Plano ”Gospel Mass” and Racial Reconciliation Discussion St Andrew’s Chancel Choir and St. Luke UMC’s choir will present Robert Ray’s acclaimed “Gospel Mass”. Internationally known gospel singer Cynthia Wilson will serve as the evening’s soloist. Interspersed between songs will be conversations on the topic of racial reconciliation and where the church is called to respond to the divides that still exist in our society. Contact Associate Pastor Jimmy Decker at 214-291-8007

Making Headlines The Ones to Know Earlier this month, Pastor Richie Butler, Founder of Project Unity and Senior Pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church, was featured on the CBS11 segment of “The Ones to Know”. Listen to his story and the journey he has taken to not only rebuild the 143-year old church, but the movement he is building — Project Unity’s Year of Unity. Click Here to view the story online.

Project Unity to Address Interstate Batteries Employees On Tuesday, March 21, Pastor Richie Butler will speak to the employees at Interstate Batteries as part of their monthly speaking engagement program for Interstate Team Members.

Attendees will be challenged with the statement and question — “What unites us is greater than what divides us.” Powerful words . . . but how do we see this materialize in our community today? He will share his personal purpose, his efforts to create a more conscious city of Dallas and how it all feeds into the Year of Unity movement. This opportunity was made possible by YOU Ambassador Samantha Goldstein, Cultural Ambassador, Interstate Batteries.