Black Identity

Celebrate Black Friday by grabbing the opportunity to register for Ware's Cambridge? The first sportive of 2026! Taking place on Sunday, March 8th next year. Act now to enjoy a 10% off the already reduced price! A whopping £7.50 off in total! This massive discount will only be available until the end of Cyber Monday, the 2nd of December. For more info and to sign up visit [www.sportiveuk.co.uk](http://www.sportiveuk.co.uk/) All of the dates for you confirmed 2026 events are listed below. • Ware's Cambridge? – 8th of March 2026 • Bluebell 100 – 12th of April 2026 • HCC Tour Essex – 17th of May 2026 • Redbourn Road Rider – 14th of June 2026 • Hertfordshire 100 – 30th of August 2026 • Ware's Essex? – 4th of October 2026 • Essex Season Ender – 1st of November 2026 Don't miss out on this exclusive offer to kick off the new year with a fantastic bike ride! Jeremy and Luke SportiveUK

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **paranormal.** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee (or amazin value Chardonnay!) Chaired by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and engagement from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, obviously no sprituality event woul be complete without practical tools so there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? Molecular Biologists have shown that just like plants - our cells give off resonant frequencies between 10 & 180 kilohertz - could this be a source of non-verbal communication like telepathy? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** boost **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) naturally vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSDand if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? Was **Abraham Lincolm** precognizant when he dreamt his own fatal assignation? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do NDEs suggest something beyond physicality? Were Steve Jobs final words "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow" before he died (New York Times) visions of an afterlife or just neurochemical changes / drugs playing tricks? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

Step into the gas-lit streets of Victorian London and uncover the chilling story of Jack the Ripper. This evening walking tour takes you deep into Whitechapel, where one of history’s most notorious serial killers stalked his victims. Follow your expert guide as you: Visit the actual sites of the Ripper’s murders Explore hidden alleys and cobblestoned lanes Hear the true stories of the victims and the suspects See rare photographs and police reports Learn how the crimes shocked London — and the world Your guide will separate fact from fiction, using historical evidence and forensic insight to paint a vivid picture of life in East London in 1888. ⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Attendance Confirmation Required To help us manage attendance, please complete the form below if you will be attending. You will only be added to the confirmed list once the form has been completed. **Confirm here:** https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO_ujT7S1q-3EiZgkxHfPxJGgG8CnlYNCrHqQkLPNXmEC4Gw/viewform?usp=header If you are unable to join, please just send us a message to let us know.

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” - *Jason Collins* “…fascinating and super informative, as well as seriously important” - [*Review by Xena Frailing at VoiceMag*](https://www.voicemag.uk/review/16159/queer-britain-bfi-review) Join us on **Sunday 8th March** at **Queer Britain**, the U.K.’s first and only dedicated LGBTQIA+ museum, in Granary Square near Kings Cross. “Journey through queer culture and heritage in our galleries at Queer Britain. Our gallery redevelopment features a takeover from BFI Flare, with early promotion and annual posters celebrating the landmark film festival's 40-year history. The main gallery presents six new themed displays that tell the stories of the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre, AIDS Quilt 23, Justin Fashanu, Women's Liberation Music, Club Kali, and Dora Carrington and Lytton Strachey. In our temporary exhibition space, modern print culture is explored through Queer Britain's own collections in Queer Print.” Read more here: [Queer Britain Website](https://queerbritain.org.uk) **Due to the small footprint of the museum, we’ll be limiting this event to 15 people maximum.** **MEET DETAILS** - Sunday 8th March **From 2:15PM: MEET IN LIGHTERMAN PUB (optional)** Address: 3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH **3PM: ENTER QUEER BRITAIN** Address: 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH **4PM till late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: Betjeman Arms, St Pancras, Euston Rd., London N1C 4QL **TICKETS** **Please book your ticket for Sunday 8th March [here](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/31711/queer-britain-museum#anchor)**. * General Admission: £10 * Pay What You Can: Minimum £1 If you’ve bought a ticket but can no longer attend, please see the ticket disclaimer at the bottom of this event description. **GETTING THERE** [Click here to see the museum’s visit us website page](https://queerbritain.org.uk/visit) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. Link will be posted in the Event Comments 48 hours before the event, for those on the confirmed going list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show' * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No' * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the [About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/) for more information about the group and how it works. Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.
 Image credit: "Queer Britain Window Display" by PinkEM is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this licence, click [here](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse). **TICKET DISCLAIMER** If you can’t attend for any reason, please change your RSVP to “Not Going”. Regarding your unused ticket, you can either: 1. Ask for a refund from the museum; 2. Ask the museum if the date can be changed so you can attend on a different date that suits you; 3. Sell the ticket on yourself. Please do NOT advertise your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group; 4. Donate the ticket to us and we will see if someone wants it. Please do NOT advertise that you wish to donate your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group. Please message Camilla privately on Meetup if you would like to donate your spare ticket. Please note: - as LoMAZ is a volunteer group, we do NOT pay for unused tickets; - if you sell your ticket to someone in LoMAZ, that DOES NOT give them a place at this event. There are attendee limits on LoMAZ events to help our volunteer hosts manage and plan.

This International Women’s Day at 13:00, step into the streets of **Somers Town** and **Fitzrovia** for a walk that celebrates the rebels, reformers, and rule-breakers who changed all our lives. We’ll uncover the stories of the women who fought for our freedom and our rights — from **Mary Wollstonecraft**, the 18th-century “godmother of feminism,” to **Marie Stopes**, the controversial campaigner who dared to demand birth control for women. Expect powerful history, hidden corners, bold ideas, and a few stories that still feel deliciously radical. This is a walk that’s both picturesque and gutsy — perfect for anyone who loves London with a side of rebellion. We’ll finish with an optional coffee at a brilliant woman-run café, because supporting women today matters just as much as celebrating those from the past. Come curious. Leave inspired. Bring a friend. **£10 from eventbrite or pay cash or card on day** https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hidden-london-heroines-on-international-womens-day-tickets-1983708534627?aff=oddtdtcreator Please arrive 10 minutes before tour starts. Wear good shoes to walk in and bring a drink. If you need to locate me prior to the tour start my number is TEL: **+44 7486387748** Once the tour begins I cannot answer any messages as it will impact the enjoyment of the other guests.

In this live and in-person seminar you will have an opportunity to explore how you could possibly improve YOUR self-confidence. How does a lack of confidence affect you? Is it in personal relationships? In the professional arena? In meeting new people in social groups? Or just within yourself and having your own confidence to do what you would really like? This seminar is geared toward you. Come and discover what could be a real boost for you! Personal interviews are offered and personal recommendations can be made to assist you in life. The seminar is presented to you by an experienced life improvement consultant from the Church of Scientology London. All references are taken from the works of L Ron Hubbard.

This Women’s Day, we’re making space at the board. Beginner-friendly chess training for all Queens who’ve always wanted to learn - from move one. Come join us to celebrate with some social chess, puzzles or just for some social connection. Join us at Bishops & Brews by Yas Queen! Chess Club for a relaxed Sunday afternoon of chess over a cup of tea! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, come hang out with us and enjoy some friendly games of chess in a queer friendly space 🏳️‍⚧️ We are generously supported by ODAC/Old Diorama Arts Centre/@olddiorama, our fantastic venue near Euston/Warren Street station. More about us on yasqueen.uk Instagram yasqueen.chessclub Yas Queen! Code of Conduct: We are an LGBTQ+ club. All allies are welcome. We reserve the right to exclude anyone from our events in case of any behaviour (at our events or otherwise) which does not support our aim of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ club members.

Come along on Sunday 8th March to visit the Heath Robinson Museum! **About the museum** The museum in north west London is dedicated to showcasing the work of the artist, illustrator, humorist and social commentator [William Heath Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Heath_Robinson "William Heath Robinson") (1872–1944). The museum opened in 2016 and is located in Pinner Memorial Park. The collection includes about 1000 pieces of original art work together with an archive of letters, association copies and special editions of the books that he illustrated, proof prints, advertising booklets and ephemera. William Heath Robinson was born in London on 31 May 1872 into a family of artists and grew up in Finsbury Park. Both his grandfather, father and his two brothers worked as illustrators. He was an artist who drew whimsically elaborate machines to achieve simple objectives. The visit should last about 1h 30mins and is self-guiding. **Cost** Entry £7 per person for Full Members and £8 per person for everyone else. Art Fund members are free (payable by cash or credit card on the day). **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(\(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809, Account name: Cultureseekers)) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After we will head to the museum cafe next door, which is called 'Daisy's in the Park', for a chat over a drink from 3:30pm. If you can make it, please come to the cafe afterwards, as its a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -* ***[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Ticket is needed in order to attend this event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1982978717725?aff=oddtdtcreator ## Overview Are you longing for deeper connections with other women who are on a path of self-discovery and growth? Join us for a women's circle! Join us for a gentle and nurturing **Women’s Circle:** a sacred, heart-led space for women who want to go deeper. Every month, we gather to explore themes around **spirituality, feminine embodiment, self-discovery and personal growth**. Each circle centers around a unique topic: from **feminine energy, intuition, boundaries**, and **embodiment** to **self-worth, healing** or **emotional expression** but the intention remains the same: 💗 To create a space for authentic connection, inner reflection, and collective wisdom 💗 To be seen, heard and held without judgment or pressure to be anything but yourself 🌙 **This Month’s Theme: Self-love and Inner Safety** On Women’s Day, we gather not just to celebrate being women — but to deepen the relationship we have with ourselves. Self-love is often spoken about as confidence, affirmations or self-care rituals. But beneath all of that lies something more essential: inner safety. When we don’t feel safe within ourselves, we look for security in other people’s reassurance, approval or presence. We may overgive, overthink, or abandon our needs in order to feel connected. In this circle, we’ll gently explore what it means to become your own secure base — to create stability, reassurance and emotional grounding from within. We’ll reflect on: * Where we still seek safety externally * How self-abandonment shows up in subtle ways * What inner security feels like in the body * How to strengthen self-trust and emotional steadiness Through meditation, journaling and conscious sharing, we’ll begin practicing a different way of relating to ourselves — one rooted in compassion rather than criticism, and steadiness rather than fear. ### ✨ What to Expect: * A grounding **meditation & breathwork** to help you arrive in the moment * A short **introduction to the theme** of the circle * **Mindful exercises** to reflect, feel and reconnect * A **safe, supportive sharing circle** * A closing **visualisation, affirmation & oracle cards** * Warm, soul-led connection with other women walking the path of self-discovery * Optional social afterwards where you can continue connection with others ### 🌀 Why this Circle was Born: “I created this circle because I craved **soulful, nourishing connection** with other women: spaces where we could go deeper than small talk and share from the heart. If you feel that same longing: for truth, presence, sisterhood, then this circle is for you.” ### 🌸 Why Women’s Circles Matter: Female connection is not just emotionally enriching—it’s also *biologically essential*. Research shows that when women gather in safe, supportive spaces, they release **oxytocin**—the bonding hormone—which helps lower stress, build trust, and boost emotional resilience. Strong female friendships and emotional expression are linked to: * Reduced anxiety and depression * Better heart and immune health * A longer, more joyful life In times of stress, women are wired for a “**tend-and-befriend**” response, **we heal in connection**. 📍 **WHERE:** Blackwell House, King's Square Community Centre ### 💫 What to Bring: * An open heart * A journal & pen Let’s sit together, soften, and reconnect with our inner power—**not through doing, but through being.** 🔗 Stay Connected: Join my WhatsApp community to stay in the loop about future circles & classes: 👉 [Click to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JSwy4GT3zeM8ywHHR931A1 "https://chat.whatsapp.com/JSwy4GT3zeM8ywHHR931A1") 📸 **Click to follow me on Instagram for more:** [aga.tokarskaa](https://www.instagram.com/aga.tokarskaa?igsh=MTUzOGtkdjhoOHkweA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr "https://www.instagram.com/aga.tokarskaa?igsh=MTUzOGtkdjhoOHkweA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr") **About me:** Aga is a **yoga teacher and transformational life coach** devoted to guiding others on the journey from overwhelm to inner peace. Her work supports those with busy, overthinking minds in **creating calm, clarity and confidence:** one breath, one choice, one breakthrough at a time. With her North Node in Scorpio, Aga's soul mission is **all about transformation: letting go of control, trusting the unknown and living from deep inner truth rather than external expectations.** After leaving behind a structured corporate path, she committed to creating a life led by intuition, embodiment and spiritual growth. Her journey has taught her to embrace change, follow the soul’s whispers and live from a place of empowered surrender. Through her women’s circles, Aroma Yoga sessions and coaching, Aga now holds space for others to do the same: to remember who they truly are, reconnect with their inner power, and create lives rooted in **freedom, authenticity and feminine wisdom.**

Today's Meaningful Conversation explores the role of spirituality in eradicating and healing from the spiritual disease of racism. We will begin our exploration of this topic with a selection of passages from the Bahá’í Writings, which will help us consider the following questions: * How does a spiritual outlook on racism help us better understand and address this vital issue? * What changes in mind and heart will offer an effective antidote to racism? * How can each of us contribute to true and lasting healing and transformation? *“If in this day a soul shall act according to the precepts and the counsels of God, he will serve as a divine physician to mankind…”*

The story behind the lady who captured the world's attention, "Tina Turner the musical". A lot of us have seen the movie "What's Love got to do with it" (sub-title Ike was a wild dude). Well this is the stage version of her story. Capitol One Hall in Tyson's, VA has LIMITED the number of tickets any group/household can purchase. That being stated tickets range in price from $83 to $182. Currently there are seats still available in various sections from the balcony to the main floor Orchestra area. There is paid parkng but some folks may want to carpool. DOORS OPEN AT 12 PM. Here is the link for TICKETS https://www.ticketmaster.com/tina-the-tina-turner-musical-tysons-virginia-03-22-2026/event/150062CDBB98482E?refArtist=K8vZ917jY97&f_simplified_filter=true&f_enable_merch_slot=true Here is the link for PARKING https://www.capitalonehall.com/visit-us/transportation-parking There are plenty of eateries in the area we can choose one as a group to eat before or after but here is a link to available eateries near the Hall https://www.washington-theater.com/venues/capital-one-hall/dining Finally one of my favorite covers, a special song she and Ike adapted it to their special and it is special, just listen and enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzQnPz6TpGc

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️ Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District 2987 District Ave Ste 100, Fairfax, VA 22031 🌟 3rd Fridays 🕕 7:00pm to 11:00pm Spades in Virginia! We are trying a new location. If things go well, we may meet there more often. 🚗 Parking is FREE!!! Alcoholic beverages are available!Please support the business by ordering food/drinks. No partner is needed! Find one when you get there. All skill levels are welcome. Come hang out with us and have a great time! 📆 Posted in multiple groups. So expect a nice crowd. 🌟 The fun starts at 6:30pm! RSVP today.

What happens when a church appears to compromise its pulpit for an electoral advantage? What does faith look like when the idols of order, boundaries, and violence replace the Gospel’s call for love, justice, and inclusion? And what can followers of Jesus do to stand up for their neighbors considering the increasing influence of nationalist churches? Join us March 10th as **Nathan Krauss** shares his powerful witness, *“My One Year in Two MAGA Aligned Churches: What I Saw, Heard, and Learned.”* In this month’s conversation, Nathan will reflect on his year inside two MAGA-aligned churches and explore: · **How these churches fuse** vs synergize **both American and Christian identity,** · **The symbols, rituals, and rhetoric employed to promote Christian Nationalism and “MAGA Christianity.”** · **How these churches can threaten the Church’s prophetic witness,** · **How the partisan church attempts to sanctify political campaigns through its electioneering efforts,** · **And finally, a look at the larger institutions, networks, and power players that drive the movement.** Through personal narrative and thoughtful theological reflection, Nathan invites us into a candid conversation about identity, faithfulness, and the future of the American Christian Church. Nathan writes on these issues at his Substack, *Searching for Berea*, and brings a grounded, compassionate, and deeply informed voice to one of the most urgent conversations in the Church today.

**[Ticket can be purchased here for the March 13th 7 PM showing](https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100005468/)** (sign up required) Join us at AFI Silver Theatre March 13th for the first night of the New African American Film Festival where they'll be showing the highly acclaimed film My Father's Shadow by Nigerian director Akinola Davies. This film is Nigeria’s first-ever Cannes selection and winner of the Caméra d’Or Special Mention. [Check out the trailer](https://youtu.be/50ICTaEuQxg) We've heard so much about this film in passing and we're super excited to finally see it. **We expect the theater to be packed for the festival so please come early (between 6:15-6:45) so we can find each other and sit together. One of us will be in the front of the indoor theater past the lobby where you show your ticket. We'll be wearing a Black Girl Film Club sticker! Please check the WhatsApp and discussion board for any real-time updates.** The [New African Film Festival (NAFF)](https://silver.afi.com/events/detail/0000000182/), presented by the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and Africa World Now Project, brings the vibrancy of African filmmaking from all corners of the continent and across the diaspora to the Washington, DC, area. Shout out to Janna and Kamara for recommending this event!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“A Practical Guide to Social Change,”** a research-based look at how communities bring about reform and progress, with Marissa Robinson, founder of Real Health Impact LLC and an adjunct professor at George Washington University who teaches courses focused on public health leadership and social change. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-social-change](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-social-change) .] Systems built on inequality rarely transform without deliberate pressure from the people most committed to justice, because progress takes coordination, conviction and willingness to change what has always been accepted. Real change starts when people choose to move together. Learn what research and experience say about how to make real social progress with Dr. Marissa Robinson, a public health practitioner who previously worked in federal agencies coordinating global and national public health initiatives focused on infectious diseases, HIV, and health equity. Among the key questions she’ll tackle: How do communities overcome barriers to create real change? When should evidence guide decisions and when does context matter more? She’ll discuss established frameworks for moving from intention to measurable progress and talk about the importance of building coalitions that actually work and of making decisions grounded in real data. You’ll learn about the importance of testing ideas on a small scale before going big, as well as how to use rapid feedback loops and continuous improvement cycles to refine approaches and scale what truly works. Dr. Robinson will share stories of ordinary people and communities who refused to accept the status quo and pushed through real barriers to achieve breakthrough results. She’ll talk about practical strategies, usable frameworks, and evidence-based examples that people can apply immediately in their own communities and organizations to support change that lasts. If you have dreamed about bringing about progress in your world, this talk will give you the clarity, direction, and confidence it takes to turn such dreams into reality. ( Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.