Wake Forest University School of Divinity to Host 9th Annual John W. Hatch Lecture and Symposium: ‘Activating Change: Health Justice in the 21st Century’

Wake Forest University School of Divinity will host the 9th Annual John W. Hatch Lecture and Symposium on December 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Benson University Center. The theme for this year’s program is “Activating Change: Health Justice in the 21st Century” and will explore critical issues surrounding health equity, social justice, and the vital role of faith in advancing community health.

The event which brings together scholars, faith leaders, and experts in public health will feature a keynote address by Leandris Liburd, acting director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Health Equity. A nationally respected public health leader, Liburd brings extensive experience in addressing health disparities, championing minority health, and advancing community-centered approaches to chronic disease prevention and health promotion.

“This event underscores the deep connection between faith and health and exemplifies the power of our university and community partnerships,” said Corey D. B. Walker, dean and Wake Forest Professor of Humanities. “Together, we’re advancing a vision for health equity strengthened by community-centered initiatives like the School of Divinity’s Faith COMPASS Center.”

The symposium is a collaboration with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, the National Association of Community Health Centers, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

“This symposium provides participants with both the theoretical foundation and practical tools to promote health justice and equity in their communities,” added Stacy W. Smallwood, executive director of the Faith COMPASS Center and visiting associate professor of religion and public health in the School of Divinity. “Attendees will create a shared vision and plan to address today’s health justice issues.”

The Hatch Lecture and Symposium commemorates the pioneering work of Dr. John W. Hatch, who dedicated his life’s work to uplifting underserved communities through the transformative power of community health centers. This year’s theme, “Activating Change,” serves as a call to action to faith-based organizations, healthcare professionals, and social justice advocates to build collaborative bridges that challenge systemic health inequities and ignite community-led solutions.

“The symposium aims to inspire a shared vision for health justice between faith and health leaders,” said Tarsha Banister, faith and health education manager at the Faith COMPASS Center. “By bringing together leading voices in faith and health equity, the symposium will create meaningful dialogue and tools for change.”  

In person and virtual registration for the 9th Annual John W. Hatch Lecture and Symposium is now open. To register visit divinity.wfu.edu/hatch.