For the last few months we have explored the question, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" We have challenged ourselves to find ways to reach out beyond our comfort zones and build connections with people who we perceive as different - to build intentional, inclusive communities.

This 3rd Tuesday Dinner Gathering (in person!) on Tuesday, May 17th we will focus on people coming out of incarceration and the challenges they face as they reenter society. How do we view these potential neighbors? How do they view themselves? How do stereotypes make reentry into society as contributing citizens more difficult?

We will be joined by David Coogan, PhD, Associate Professor of English at Virginia Commonwealth University, and co-author of **Writing Our Way Out: Memoirs from Jail, a book that features the memoirs of ten formerly incarcerated men who joined Dr. Coogan’s class while in the Richmond City Justice Center (formerly known as Richmond City Jail). Two of Dr. Coogan's co-authors, Stan Craddock and Kelvin Belton, will share about their journey to jail and back into society. Other recently returning people will join us around our tables at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to help us explore our 3rd Tuesday topic in greater depth from their lived experience.

Join us as we are Coming Together Virginia!

~~***~~***~~