In part 2 of my interview, Dave discusses some of his successes while working across differences and keeping our focus on why we are serving others. Dave discusses successes in protecting youth in police custody, setting up programs to help in early childhood education, bridging the education gap in the transition from school to college/community college, working to give voice…
Political leadership in today's environment demands more of the culturally intelligent leader than who you know. It requires an everchanging knowledge of your constituents and their needs and values especially when you lead in one of the most diverse regions in the nation. Councilman Dave Upthegrove is one of those leaders who is making a difference in his community and…
Chief Rafael Padilla is the police chief of Kent, WA, the 10th most diverse city in the United States. We discuss his journey of faith and the challenges of leading a police department in the present climate of racial unrest and calls for reforms in modern policing. He discusses his efforts to establish accountability, credibility, and performance standards in his…
Are We Not One?-Conversations on Racial Reconciliation was a Town Hall held for the City of Kent, WA on September 19, 2020. The town hall was hosted by, and held at Hillside Church Kent and included Mayor Dana Ralph, Police Chief Padilla, and Councilmember Brenda Fincher as well as leaders in the faith community, Native American, and the non-profit community…
Despite earning a Ph.D., and becoming a psychologist, pastor, and businessman none of these accomplishments has shielded Dr. Sims from the realities of being a black male in the United States of America even among people of faith. In part 1 we hear his story from being raised in Detroit, MI to being a college football player, and becoming a…
Dr. Sims discusses the system of Courageous Conversations to help address issues of faith and race. He gives examples of his work and his encounters in these areas including his work with faith leaders. He gives reasons for why we must continue this work in the community, especially in faith communities.