BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY
October 12, 2021 | 0 COMMENTS |Professor, Department of Theology
Bellarmine University
2001 Newburg Road
Louisville, KY 40205
I am writing to offer my highest recommendation and enthusiastic support for The Salaam Network to receive a 2020 Atlantic Renewal Award. Louisville has been my home for most of my life and I have witnessed a variety of movements for change across the city from the era of bussing in the 1970s, to the compassionate city, and Empower West. As a city, we have grown because of the presence of refugee ministries and a rich religious community as well as new efforts to build our economic infrastructure. However, few movements and organizations share a similar educational mission and purpose with the Salaam Network.
The Salaam Network emerged as a grassroots organization by volunteers and has made significant strides over the last few years to educate and increase interfaith understanding, combat Islamophobia, and authentically embrace the reality of religious pluralism that has always been part of the landscape of our city. Presenters and participants include scholars, religious leaders, non-profit leaders, community organizers, and other professionals as well as members of local congregations.
In the last three years, I have been actively involved in The Salaam Network and participated in a programs on Teaching Religion in Public Schools at the University of Louisville (April 17, 2017) and in a Women’s Workshop at the Earth and Spirit Center (October 29, 2017). In addition, a team of three experts made presentations in a class that I teach on Women and Gender Studies at Bellarmine University on February 9, 14 and 16, 2016, and collaborated for a panel discussion for the university as a whole. The presentations were well researched, engaging, creative, and awakened a new generation of students to the problem and promise of religion for women in the three Abrahamic traditions.
In sum, The Salaam Network is doing unique and life-giving work within this community and vital to the flourishing of people here. Hate crimes have been on the rise nationally, most U.S. Americans have little understanding of Islam, and pernicious stereotypes continue to inform practices and policies of our nation. Supporting organizations like The Salaam Network promises to do much more than just educate our local area. Your support will increase cooperation, collaboration, understanding, and our national collective wisdom.
I offer my highest recommendation that The Salaam Network receive this award.
The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty
www.bellarmine.edu/
November 27, 2019
