McCormick Days 2016
10-13-2016
By David V. Goodwin
McCormick Days is around the corner! Like the blustery weather of fall, this annual event is upon us again. As the days become shorter and the weather becomes colder, this year’s event will focus on the theme “Toward a Flourishing City,” bringing in guest speakers from around the country with a focus on urban justice and equality.
For McCormick students still on the fence about whether or not to attend, it’s understandable. With a whole week free, it’s a great opportunity to catch up on Netflix binging–I mean, reading for class–but Luke Cage will only take a day. Just finish it before Thursday. McCormick Days is free for current students, and important for both getting connected in the larger community and beginning to build your professional network.
“McCormick Days is a homecoming for alumni/ae,” Rev. Nannette Banks, Director of Alumni/ae, said regarding the two-day event. “And an invitation to the broader McCormick students, friends, donors, community members and churches to (re)connect, to worship together and to engage critical issues facing the church and broader community.”
Looking at the schedule there are plenty of opportunities to gather and mingle, whether with old friends or new connections. There will also be a plethora of panels focusing on such matters as political unrest, rioting, mass incarceration, and immigrant detention.
Rev. Banks was quick to point out that Dr. Allan Boesak will be delivering the opening plenary, “Unless the Cry is Heard, the City cannot Flourish.” I asked Rev. Banks how Dr. Boesak had impacted her. She had this to say:
“It was spring 2007 and I was challenged by the late professor Dr. Ogbu Kalu to read “Farewell to Innocence”(Dr. Boesak’s Dissertation work) for a book review. I must admit I was reluctant, still not sure why. Once I began to read, the African Diaspora became a real concept for me – – it was no longer just Africa to America – – it was now a reciprocal relationship that informed the actions and future of one another. It was the weaving together of worlds and struggles that appeared distant and different, but in reality pushing toward justice and recognition of all God’s children. Also, during the summer of 2014, Dr. Boesak was the Preacher for the week at the Chautauqua Institute, and I was blessed to hear him preach five mornings in a row. I spent one on one time with him and the New Clergy Group and that was priceless!”
So whether you’re travelling from far away, or living right around the corner, McCormick Days is bound to be this fall’s McCormick occasion not-to-be-missed. Registry only takes a couple minutes, and you can do it here: mccormick.edu See you next Thursday!
