Many citizens accept their racial label as easily as they accept their gender label. But should we? Recent scholarship shows us that the effect of using labels like Italian- American, Black, or Asian has rarely been benign. Karen Helm will trace the ideology that underlies our use of racial terminology and discuss how it shapes our understanding of history, events and behavior. She will explore the information that we actually convey when we use it and suggest ways to ensure we are saying what we mean.

"Ethical Hero: Frederick Douglass" - Jone Johnson Lewis, NoVES Leader

Jone will introduce us to the life and activism of Frederick Douglass, born a slave in Maryland, and a lifelong advocate for racial justice, women's rights, education, and religious freedom -- someone who's life embodies many of the principles of Ethical Culture.

Founder's Day is usually celebrated near May 15, the anniversary of the first meeting of the first Ethical Society in 1876 in New York.

In honor of Memorial Day, our Leader, Jone Johnson Lewis, and several members of the Society will share some special memories of people and events who helped shape our lives.

Allison Rutland Soulen of Just Neighbors will lead a discussion on current immigration law. The goal will be to provide a context to better understand both the immigrants in our community and the immigrant debate we hear in the daily news.