King in Conversation: The Spiritualities of Non-Violence
Date and Time:
Thursday, January 22, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location:
Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences
Description:
This interfaith table-talk-style event will explore the spiritual frameworks for nonviolent resistance that influenced or were influenced by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the event, we will see the threads shared among figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
We call this a "Table Talk" style event, as it favors interpersonal connection and storytelling along with the information provided by our panelists. The evening will toggle between a moderated panel discussion and small-group table discussions over a shared meal here at our downtown Grand Rapids Health Campus.
Dinner will be provided. This event is free, but registration is required.
Panel Moderator:
Joe Jones, Founder, Hekima Group
Panelists:
Carolyn White, Founding Facilitator, Lansing Area Mindfulness Community
Elliot Ratzman, Raoul Wallenberg Institute, University of Michigan
Gail Presbey, Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department, University of Detroit Mercy
This event also appears on the main events calendar tagged as academic, community, inclusion, interfaith, kaufman, and mlk.
Contact
Kaufman Interfaith Institute
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