On November 18, 2019, Vanderbilt Divinity School, The Upper Room, and the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies will celebrate Howard Thurman’s 120th birthday with a public screening of the documentary, Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story, a film by Martin Doblmeier.

Following the screening, Amy E. Steele, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Community Life, will host a conversation on Thurman’s use of religion to condemn racism, to commend grassroots interfaith dialogue, and to explore the depth and intensity of religious experience for the transformation of society with Luther E. Smith, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Church and Community, Candler School of Theology, and Forrest E. Harris, Sr. Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry and Director of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Reception will begin at 4pm. Screening and conversation immediately following.

This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Click here to make your reservation online.