Fr. William J. Ferree Chair of Social Justice
Keynote speakers
Fitz Keynote
On April 1, 2022, the University of Dayton awarded an honorary doctoral degree in humanities to Bro. Raymond L. Fitz, S.M. In his keynote address for “The Common Good in a Divided City” Conference, Bro. Ray talked about his journey, with members of the University and Greater Dayton Community, to address systemic injustices of racism and poverty. He challenged the University and community partners to continue to enrich and to institutionalize this dialogue on Catholic social tradition and help our community advance regional solidarity.
O’Connell Keynote
On April 2, 2022, Maureen O’Connell (La Salle University) offered a keynote address for “The Common Good in a Divided City: Racism, the Church, and the Challenge of Regional Solidarity.” Reflecting on her own family’s history, O’Connell developed an account of white Catholic complicity with American racism in the past and present and suggested ways the language of “the common good” has been misshaped as a result. Dayton City Commissioner Darryl Fairchild offered a local response.
Edwards Keynote
On April 2, 2022, Korie Edwards (The Ohio State University) offered a keynote address for “The Common Good in a Divided City: Racism, the Church, and the Challenge of Regional Solidarity.” She outlined the tension between the racial justice goals of Faith-based Community Organizations and the ways that white concerns and culture dominate these movements, even against their best intentions. Brunner Literacy Center program coordinator and lay Marianist Kateri Dillon offered a local response.
Wood Keynote
On April 2, 2022, Rich Wood (University of New Mexico) offered a offered a keynote address for “The Common Good in a Divided City: Racism, the Church, and the Challenge of Regional Solidarity.” He discussed the successful practices of churches that engage in racial justice work and considered the skills and practices religious communities need to further develop in order to promote ethical democracy. Chuck Mingo (LivingUNDIVIDED), Renard Allen (St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church), and Caleb Ingram (Declare Movement) offered local responses.