General Synod 2017 Special Events

Register and pay for special events by clicking HERE.

Baltimore: Before and After Freddie Gray

When Freddie Gray died April 19, 2015, and uprisings erupted, Baltimore and many systemic issues related to racism and poverty came under a national spotlight. During this 2 1/2 hour program, you will hear Baltimore leaders provide an honest and compelling picture of the circumstances that caused Freddie Gray’s death and served as a tipping point in a long simmering situation. Some of the issues to be discussed include:

1. The history of institutional racism in Baltimore and the discriminatory practices that affect the city to this day.

2. How the self-interests of the city’s political/business bedfellows perpetuate a negative impact on Baltimore’s predominant citizenry (people of color and the poor).

3. The culture of policing and public safety in Baltimore, and the generations of mistrust between the police and the community.

4. As a case study in urban unrest, what needs to happen in Baltimore and other urban centers.

Date: June 29, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Pratt Street Entrance & Holiday Inn Room TBD

Cost: $25

Visit to Washington D.C. to the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Martin Luther King Memorial

Leave Baltimore Convention Center at 8:00 a.m. and travel to Washington, DC and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, arriving by 9:30 a.m. Photos and self-guided tour of the Memorial for 30 minutes. Board the bus and travel a short distance to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for self-paced tour. A timed pass is required to enter the NMAAHC (the passes for this trip are for all day starting at 10 am). The following Smithsonian Museums are in walking distance of the NMAAHC: American History, Natural History, African Art and Sackler Gallery. Other nearby museums: Air and Space, Native American and Hirshhorn.

There is no entrance fee for any of the 10 Smithsonian Museums on the Mall. Smithsonian Museums have cafeterias where lunch can be purchased. Food trucks are also available from which to purchase food. The bus will depart the NMAAHC site at 5:30 PM for the return trip to the Baltimore Convention Center by 7 PM.

Date: July 5, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: $30

*There is a wait list for this event. Names are being accepted should there be a cancellation.