SWIFT Speakers Forum - Understanding Racial Competency

Christian, Jewish, and Muslim perspectives on racial competency with SWIFT: SouthWest Interfaith Team.

Speakers:
Dr. Lynne Muhammad
Dr. Lynne Muhammad is a biology professor at American Islamic College, and Science Dept chair at Whitney Young Magnet High School. A member of the Chicago Teachers Union, she holds a Bachelor of Science, a Masters of Science in Education and Doctor of Education. She has numerous certifications in Education, and a Learning Design and Technology Certificate, and Harvard Extension School. She is a member of the Executive Council at The Mosque Cares – Ministry of W. Deen Mohammed. A 2017 & 2018 nominee for the Golden Apple Award. She is an author of various publications, a teacher and Microgreen Gardener.

Judy Levey
Executive director of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs since 2012. Building on JCUA’s 57-year history of advancing systemic change to address critical issues of injustice, Judy spearheaded JCUA’s organizing model which has led to JCUA’s multigenerational multi-denominational Jewish voice for meaningful social change. She holds a MPP from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a BA from the University of Michigan. The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) was founded in 1964 with the mission of combating poverty, racism and antisemitism working in partnership with diverse communities. JCUA carries out this work through: issue campaigns on police accountability and immigration justice; racial justice working groups; member trainings, youth leadership programs; the Kol Or Jewish People of Color caucus; and congregation organizing. JCUA also elevates community investment.

Pastor Norval Brown
Pastor Norval Brown was born on June 17 1954, the 251st anniversary of the birth of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement. He currently is the lead pastor of the Cary United Methodist Church in Cary, IL. Pastor Norval’s education includes a BA from The University of Chicago, Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary. He serves on various board and agencies of the church and community. He brings gifts in spiritual formation to the Church as he is called to lead retreats, revivals, and individual spiritual direction. He has served large parishes and small parishes; African American, predominantly Anglo, and multi-racial; urban and suburban. He has served as a campus minister and an adjunct faculty member at Chicago Theological Seminary.