United Way of Greater Chattanooga and national non-profit Millions of Conversations invited community members from across Greater Chattanooga on Tuesday to discuss resilience with Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu.
Officials said, "The Learn United Conversation Series is designed to bring people together through intentional discussion led by leadership speakers with the goal of turning conversation into community action. The organizations expanded the series this month, adding more community members and inviting Rev.
Tutu.
"Rev. Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, has been a lifelong activist for human rights in several parts of the world. Growing up as a black woman in apartheid South Africa showed her how courageous acts can create transformation.
"She urged the Chattanooga community to see the value in shared humanity to create resilience and fight division."
“Diversity is the strength and beauty of our shared humanity,” Rev. Tutu said. “As we work together to drive hate and division from our world, we build a collective resilience; one that nurtures our souls and feeds the work in our communities. Chattanooga has passionate leaders working toward positive change, and they are building the resilience needed to see it done.”
Officials said, "The 150 attendees were invited into an interactive night full of diverse conversation and meaningful connection. At the end of the evening, each person wrote a note to their younger selves about the challenges they’ve overcome to highlight that resilience can look different for everyone, but is essential for a connected community."
“The idea of being okay with the uncomfortable was an exciting idea from our table conversation,” said Ken Smith, Learn United Table lead and Avondale Neighborhood Association leader. “If you come out of your comfort zone, you may discover something you have in common with a stranger. Keep asking questions and discover something new about someone you didn’t know.”
"The Learn United Conversation Series is designed to arm the Greater Chattanooga community with tools they can use to turn conversation into action. The Learn United Conversation Series will continue to bring leadership speakers to the stage throughout the year to explore additional values when building a more connected community. Each interactive event will create space for all voices to be heard. Visit unitedwaycha.org/learnunited to learn more," officials said.