On Thursday, July 2, at 1EST, I will be hosting a 1-hour session to encounter this work of art in a small group. Sign up here.

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It’s a powerful thing when a work of art made in the past interacts with the present with authority, love, and wisdom. Sometimes works of art almost have a way of predicting the future.

Through the profound shifts of the last three months – a time of deep listening and of many complex conversations for me – this piece by Thornton Dial has been lodged in my mind.

There is no 1-liner here. There is, however, a lot to see, and to look at unflinchingly, and insight to be tapped for the way forward. There is meaning to be uncovered and illuminated simply by nature of standing in the now and bringing our viewpoints to it.

And July 4 presents an opportunity to take a pause to reflect on our flag, which is as beloved as it is in conflict.

Sign up here to register! Open to the first 15 who register (I’ll organize a second group if more people want to join), the event is free. Donations welcome to Souls Grown Deep Foundation for making Dial’s work accessible, and for all that they do to support communities nurturing African American artists from the South.

This is not a Forum on what does July 4 mean to you? although that is one of many questions held in my heart right now.

Join me for reflection on the composition and lifeworld of this piece, in the company of the lifeworlds of respected and beloved humans. You.

Let’s see what happens. Register here.