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…
This is the second in the series: Are We Not One? Conversations on faith, race, and reconciliation. The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic helped to expose some of the disparities that people of color and black people still face in this part of the twenty-first century. Disparities in education persist: access; affordability; college preparedness; vocational training; low expectations; inadequate pay…
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…
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Davis, he teaches the application of living a life of faith and reconciliation. He addresses both clergy and laity on how we can demonstrate the love we speak about. He gives specific actions to get involved and stay involved. He addresses people of color and white people on current issues facing our…
Not many of us get to meet and be mentored by a true civil rights leader. Rev. Dr. France Davis has lived his life on the front lines of the struggle for racial justice: from growing up in the segregated South of the US to meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, marching on Washington and Selma, AL, serving on the…
Some people use Romans 13 as a means to justify following unjust and immoral laws and political persuasions. I dispute that interpretation in this short episode. There are many places where strict interpretation without biblical continuity would lead to contradictions and injustice. Instagram: abovethenoise_gm Facebook: Above The Noise @abovethenoise24 abovethenoise24@gmail.com
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…
Miss Phiona Mutesi is called, The Queen of Katwe. However, her life has not been one of royalty, splendor, and riches. Coming from the despair of poverty and living on the streets, she became a national chess champion of Uganda and a world-class chess player. A book was written about her and Disney produced a movie with the same title, The…
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…
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…