On Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m., Jordan Seaberry, the director of public policy and advocacy at the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence in Providence, will speak about racism, violence, and justice. The talk will take place at Temple Habonim, at 165 New Meadow Road. It is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Barrington Interfaith Clergy Association and Barrington Interfaith Partners.

Mr. Seaberry is the 2018 Honorary Chair of Reading Across Rhode Island. This year’s selection, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, chronicles the aftermath of the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a police officer. It is narrated by a friend of the victim who navigates between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the private, suburban high school she attends. Mr. Seaberry will reference the book in his presentation.

Born on the Southside of Chicago, Mr. Seaberry came to Providence to attend the Rhode Island School of Design where he personally confronted issues of race and class. While on leave from RISD, he became involved in the social justice community. Among other things, he taught in an after school art program, advocated for prisoners’ rights with Direct Action for Rights and Equality, and worked on the “Ban the Box” initiative to secure the right to vote for felons who have completed their sentences. After receiving a degree in painting from RISD, he began working on the Violences Project which memorializes the image and story of every homicide victim in Providence.

Mr. Seaberry serves as the national committeeman for the Young Democrats of Rhode Island, is a board member of Protect Families First, and a member of Mayor Elorza’s Advisory Council to Reduce Gun Violence, among many other appointments. He was listed as one of the “Ten to Watch in 2017” by Providence Monthly.

Book talk is March 12

The interfaith associations will host a follow-up book discussion on Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 49 Middle Highway.