African Americans for Humanism DC Monthly Meeting

"The need for critical thinking skills and a humanistic outlook in our world is great. This is no less true in the Black community than in others." African Americans for Humanism

The next monthly meeting of African Americans for Humanism DC will be held on Saturday July 26, 2014 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in the Latrobe Room at the Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE (entrance on 9th St-elevator access available). The Hill Center is located about 1.5 blocks from the Eastern Market Metro Station. All AAH meetings are free and open to the public. The venue is wheelchair accessible. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may email sdavis@centerforinquiry.net . Please see our national webpage for more information. http://www.aahumanism.net/

It has been several months since we had a group discussion and a lot of significant events have happened during that time -so this month‘s meeting will be a planned general discussion of the people, policies and events that caught your attention or made an impact on you this year. For example, over the past few weeks we have had an opportunity to hear Dr. Anthony Pinn discuss his book “Writing god’s Obituary”. Also we recently we joined the Secular Coalition of America for a screening of Jeremiah Camara’s new film “Contradictions”. On the political and social front there have been victories for marriage equality while freedom from religion has suffered defeats on many fronts, one instance being the “Hobby Lobby“ decision. Conversely in May the New York Supreme Court cleared the way for sectarian prayers to be part of the official business of city councils and legislatures

In addition there was a recent thought provoking magazine article in the Atlantic Monthly magazine e by Ta-Nehisi Coates on the “Case for Reparations“ which, in discussing the continued economic impact of slavery and legal discrimination on African Americans was highly controversial. Go to http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/05/the-case-for-reparations/361631/#iv-the-ills-that-slavery-frees-us-fromon t

I also came across an older but meaningful piece entitled “No, you’re not entitled to your opinion” Patrick Stokes. Demolishes the old argument that all opinions are equally valid. Theconversaation.com/no-you-are-not-entitled-to-your-opinion-9978

Some people have expressed a desire to discuss coming out and dealing with family and friends. So rather than have a topic lets just have an open discussion. I look forward to seeing you on the

African Americans for Humanism-DC is sponsored by the Center for Inquiry-DC. The mission of the Center for Inquiry is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. For more information about the Center for Inquiry please go to http://www.centerforinquiry.net/about .