Social justice has taken on a deeper meaning in 2020.

This year, more and more people have felt a sense of urgency to respond to the racial and socioeconomic disparities affecting their communities. Add the ongoing pandemic to the mix, and the need for an engaged citizenry has intensified.

But where does religion fit into the scope of social justice? Can there be a balance between activism and one’s faith?

University of Houston-Downtown Interim President Antonio D. TIllis, Ph.D. and Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church will address this very topic during the next edition of the Gator Grit Speaker Series.

The fireside chat, “Religion and Social Justice,” will be conducted virtually at noon, Nov. 19 on Zoom. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance of this event.

The event, Tillis said, will explore the role of religion in social and human justice movements. The conversation will focus on topics such as the historical continuum regarding the role of the Black church, liberation theology, and ecumenicalism in the ongoing fight for human rights.

Dr. Cosby is a renowned preacher, teacher, and activist, equipping his students and congregation with sound biblical teaching around the globe. Assuming the role of Senior Pastor at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church sixteen years ago, Cosby has extended his service to both the Houston community and to global populations.

At the church, he helped start the Wheeler Avenue Christian Academy and open a transitional housing facility for homeless single mothers. Likewise, he has participated in numerous outreach efforts throughout Houston, Louisiana, Haiti, and in South Africa.

“I look forward to welcoming Dr. Cosby to our University’s premiere lecture series,” Tillis said. “Dr. Cosby is a gifted scholar and theologian. He advocates for the empowerment of all humanity through his teachings and challenges listeners to reflect on their power to transform the world in which we live. Given the current situation of our nation and world, I believe this conversation will prove to be most enlightening for our University Community and beyond.”