Day of Pluralism: Our Shared Planet
Civic and Religious LeadersHost Day of Pluralism: Our Shared Planet
ATLANTA (June 3, 2024) –Atlanta’s civic and religious leaders, local artists, city officials, and community members will convene for the second annual Day of Pluralism on Thursday, June 20, at 6:15 p.m., at The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Institute of Technology, 422 Ferst Dr. NW Atlanta, GA 30313.A Native American proverb says, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”“We live in an increasingly connected and complex world where appreciation, engagement, and respect for diversity are necessary for peace and prosperity,” said Muir Meghjani. “Shared values among communities, such as compassion, service, and cooperation, help strengthen social identities and enable us to contribute positively to society. Pluralism encourages dialogue and helps alleviate fear, hostility, and divisiveness arising from ignorance,” he said.
The second annual Day of Pluralism will explore how we must unite across our values, strengths, and differences to create a more sustainable world. This event will bring diverse community, civic, and faith leaders together to seek our unique perspectives on environmental sustainability by exploring artistic expressions and PechaKucha-style storytelling. This will be followed by meaningful conversation over dinner that can spark real change.
The choice of location was intentional. The Kendeda Building exemplifies the event's theme of sustainability. It is the first building in Georgia and the 28th in the world to earn the Living Building Challenge certification, the world’s most ambitious and holistic green building achievement. Rather than being less environmentally harmful, The Kendeda Building fosters regenerative and restorative relationships between humans and nature, where people give back more to the environment than they take.Hosted by The Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States in collaboration with the 2024 Day of Pluralism Host Committee Members: Paige Alexander, Shan Arora, Bill Bolling, Paul Clements, Ann Cramer, Maria Cressler, Dr. Valeda Dent, Deidre Dixon, Jennifer Dorian, Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley, Imam Plemon T. El-Amin, Nasim Mahboubi Fluker, Leslie Gordon, Jenn Graham, Michael Halicki, Michael S. Holmes, Laila Hudda, Nathaniel Smith Jr., Mark Kendall, Soumaya Khalifa, Liz Lapidus, Carlton Mackey, Schelly Marlatt, James Marlow, Brionté McCorkle, Rev. Gregory McGonigle, Dr. Rozina Merchant, Beth Michel, Valerie Morvan, Codi Norred, Gilda (Gigi) Pedraza, Dr. Chris RayAlexander, Rev. Angela H. Rice, Anna Roach, Maria Saporta, Bilal Sarwari, Jill Savitt, President Doug Shipman, Monica Thornton, and G Webber.
Art Curators: Ashley Woods and Heather Bird Harris
Event Curators: Dr. Nadya Merchant and Munir Meghjani
The Global Center for Pluralism defines pluralism as an ethic of respect for diversity. His Highness the Aga Khan says, “Pluralism does not mean the elimination of difference, but the embrace of difference. Genuine pluralism understands that diversity does not weaken a society; it strengthens it.”
Press Contact: Dr. Nadya Merchant, nadya.merchant@gmail.com, (678) 457-8786
