YOU ARE INVITED: Retreat with Dr. David Evans, October 16 - 17, 2026, Charlottesville
Join us for a retreat with Dr. David Evans, professor of History & Intercultural Studies at Eastern Mennonite University, Friday evening, October 16 (6:00 - 8:30 pm), and Saturday, October 17 (9:00am to 3:30pm), at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 960 Monacan Trail Road, Charlottesville. The retreat will focus on concepts from his new book, “Damned Whiteness: How White Christian Allies Failed the Black Freedom Movement.” The retreat is open to all and especially targeted toward white people (of any, or no, faith tradition) committed to solidarity with Black people in the United States.
The phrase “damned whiteness” comes from a 1961 poem by white Christian missionary Ralph Templin, who recognized his own whiteness as a “frightening disease” that kept him from showing up in true solidarity with Black freedom fighters. In a new book that takes Templin’s phrase as its title, historian David F. Evans explores how white Christian allies failed the Black Freedom Movement.
David tells us: “I wrote [Damned Whiteness] for Black audiences and white progressives who care about justice. I think there are implications for any group, when we consider the ways Black freedom has inspired communities to build beyond inclusion and diversity. People like Pauli Murray, Bayard Rustin, and Kwame Ture represent concerns that challenge Jane Crow, gender binary discrimination, heteronormativity, and imperialism/global capitalism. Pursuing Black freedom in this spirit, or perhaps the spirit of the Combahee River Collective, means that Black freedom gets us all free.”
Congregate Charlottesville is so delighted to host Dr. Evans for this retreat. We’ll have opportunities to hear him talk about his work, to discuss key concepts and questions in small groups, and to explore how to commit ourselves to a path of true solidarity with Black liberation struggles today.
Come be in community as we learn together.
LOGISTICS:
> Reading the book, “Damned Whiteness”, is not required but will be helpful context.
> Meals included: Friday dinner, Saturday coffee/tea and pastries, and Saturday lunch.
> Sliding scale fee for the retreat: $25 - $75 - $125 - $175.
> We ask that you attend the whole retreat, both Friday evening and all day Saturday.
> We will meet at Good Shepherd Church, 960 Monacan Trail Road.
> Questions? Email Congregate at: congregatecville@gmail.com
REGISTRATION FORM:
https://forms.gle/CTKuFJb2ykKcTcWp8
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Congregate Charlottesville is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
We are grounded in our varied and diverse faith traditions and inspired by justice and liberation theologies.
We seek to dismantle oppressive, dehumanizing systems through education, fiscal sponsorship, and collaboration with other justice-seeking groups and individuals.
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Contact us:
congregatecville@gmail.com
P.O. Box 2293, Charlottesville VA 22902